Gauteng Education MEC visits family of slain Tsakani teacher, pledges support
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile visited the family of slain Michael Zulu Primary School educator Siyabonga Tshabalala, offering condolences and pledging continued support.
Tsakani – The Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, visited the family of Michael Zulu Primary School educator Siyabonga Tshabalala (29), who was shot and killed while on his way to school in Tsakane. Maile visited the family on August 7.
The purpose of the visit was to convey the department’s heartfelt condolences personally, offer comfort to the bereaved family, and assure them of ongoing psychosocial and institutional support during this difficult period.
During the visit, Maile expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Tshabalala, describing the incident as a devastating blow not only to the family, but also to the education sector and the broader Tsakani community.
“We came here to stand with the family in their time of unimaginable pain. No words can truly ease the hurt of losing a loved one in such a tragic and senseless manner.
“As the Department, we want to assure the family that they are not alone; we will walk this journey with them and provide all the necessary support they may need,” said Maile.
The MEC was accompanied by senior officials from the Gauteng Department of Education, who engaged with the family to outline available psychosocial support services, including counselling and ongoing assistance.
The department has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting colleagues, learners, and the school community affected by Tshabalala’s passing.
Psychosocial support teams remain active at Michael Zulu Primary School to provide trauma counselling and emotional support.
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Maile further reiterated his call for calm and urged law enforcement agencies to expedite their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“We continue to call on SAPS to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.
“Our communities must also work together to end violence and protect those who serve our children,” he added.
The Gauteng Department of Education will continue to support the Tshabalala family and the school community as they navigate this period of grief. Tshabalala was laid to rest on August 8.
