Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Zizi Kodwa says government officials may review bullying policies at schools, this comes after his visit to the Nako family.
16-year-old Lathitha Nako died by suicide after she drank a pesticide. Learners from Bisho high school had reported incidents of bullying to the school but it is reported that the school did not intervene as they should have.
This is one of many cases of school children who have died by suicide after suffering in an environment that was meant to protect them.
“Schools must be centers of learning, for tolerance for pupils. So that they understand that these are the fundamental values of the constitution”, said Zizi Kodwa.
Two teachers from the school have been placed on precautionary leave, while an investigation is being conducted.
Eastern Cape Education spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxela confirmed that the department had launched an investigation after they had received news of the incident.
The South African Council for Educators is also doing its own independent investigation.
“It cannot be that when something like this happens, emotions overtake the due process because you will be kicked out in terms of the due process. It is important that we wait for this report because investigators are on set”, said Eastern Cape Education head Dr. Naledi Mbude.
Eastern Cape Education MEC, Fundile Gade says that they felt very strongly that this was deeper than the issue of bullying.
"It needs a bit of unearthing by the government of what becomes a strategic way out when the society is unable to tolerate each other on religious beliefs and orientation."
