Nkosana Tshabalala, father of Melokuhle Tshabalala (9), has decided to resort to legal action after an incident at Nyandeni Primary School on November 12 last year where his son was injured, claiming that they have received no assistance from the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

Nkosana Tshabalala visited the Standerton Advertiser after the incident. He alleged that a tree fell on his son during a fundraiser day, whilst learners were playing outside.

The young boy sustained critical injuries and was taken to Standerton Hospital before being transferred to Witbank Hospital.

In a memorandum dated December 20, the Witbank Hospital confirmed that he is a paraplegic. It stated that the young Melokuhle sustained polytraumatic injuries to his brain, legs and spine.

He underwent a spine operation to stabilise the fractures. According to his father his right lung was also injured.

Tshabalala alleges that he signed a report from the department and requested the available CCTV-footage of the incident. He said that he has not yet received the footage, as allegedly promised to him.

Tshabalala said he wanted the department to pay for private hospital care. He also feels they should provide a care worker and home schooling for his son. He said that doctors told the family they will only be able to assess his son’s condition in another six months.

The Standerton Advertiser visited the family on Friday, January 21.

Tshabalala takes great care to ensure that Melokuhle stays clean and is being turned regularly, to prevent sores forming.

An enquiry was made with the family’s advocate about the progress of the case. He did not reply at the time of publishing.

Several attempts to contact the school have been made and messages requesting comment were left.  WhatsApp-messages requesting the same, were also sent to the spokesman of the Department of Education, Jasper Zwane, on several occasions.

No feedback was received before publishing.