Principal faults police and media at memorial of slain learner from eMbalenhle
Ndivhuwo Tshiswaise described the incident as the worst moment of his career as a school leader.
The principal of Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School, Ndivhuwo Tshiswaise, expressed deep frustration with the eMbalenhle police and the media during the memorial service for Kevin Madikgetla at the House of Praise Church in eMbalenhle on March 5.
Madikgetla, a Grade 12 learner, was allegedly stabbed by a Grade 10 learner on February 27. He later succumbed to his injuries at Ext 4 Clinic in eMbalenhle. Tshiswaise described the incident as the worst moment of his career as a school leader.
“As educators, we nurture our learners, hoping to see them grow academically and become successful in their careers. It is painful as a teacher and a father to lose a child – especially when it happens before your eyes,” he said.
He also criticised the negative media coverage surrounding the incident.
“There has been a lot of misinformation circulating, and once false information spreads, it is difficult to correct. I cannot go door-to-door explaining what happened. But, as a community, we can overcome this,” he added.
Tshiswaise emphasised the need for continuous community support rather than reactionary involvement after a crisis.
“People must stop showing up only when a tragedy strikes. Our school management’s doors are always open for those who genuinely want to assist,” he urged.
The principal questioned the commitment of the eMbalenhle police to ensure school safety
“I respect our police, but I must be honest. The station commander told the MEC they support schools, yet we called the SAPS multiple times last year to conduct random searches, and they never showed up. But now that there is a crisis, they are suddenly present,” he stated.
Tshiswaise stressed schools should be places of learning and safety.
“Every parent should feel confident that their child will return home safely from school,” he said.
School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Music Nzukula, expressed shock upon hearing about the incident.
“As a father of twin daughters who attend this school, I immediately questioned whether my children were safe,“ he said.
Nzukula argued that schools were safer in the past when Bible reading was part of the daily routine.
“When the Bible was still part of the school curriculum, incidents like these were rare. We appeal to the Department of Education to reintroduce Bible reading before teaching begins each day,” he said.
Kevin Madikgetla was laid to rest on March 8, at Steve Tshwete Municipality in Middelburg.
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