ENOCK MPIANZI FAMILY SUES STATE
THE family of Enock Mpianzi, a 13-year-old Grade 8 pupil from Parktown Boys’ High who drowned while on a school outing at the beginning of the year, is suing the Gauteng Department of Education for R10 million.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi revealed this while checking schools for their readiness amid the Covid-19 pandemic and schools reopening earlier on Monday.
He said they had received a letter from Enock’s family, demanding R10m from the department.
“We have indicated that we have no appetite to oppose this matter,” he said.
Enock drowned on January 15, during a water activity organised by the school, at the Nyati Bush and Riverbreak in Brits.
It was found that the boys were not given life jackets when they entered the fast-flowing water and, despite other boys reporting Enock missing, a search was delayed and his body was recovered two days later.
A report into investigations conducted into his drowning revealed, among others, that Malcolm Williams, the principal, had neglected to take the necessary steps to ascertain exactly who was at the camp and, arising therefrom, if any learner was missing after the water activity that claimed Enock’s life.
Williams had been placed on precautionary suspension since February, but the department announced last week that he would be returning to his post as school principal.
Nyati Bush and Riverbreak were also blasted for involving the learners in potentially hazardous exercises without knowing who was taking part.
The report also said the seven teachers who had been designated to look after the pupils were not enough.
The teachers were also found wanting in terms of their handling of the water activity, stating that everything looked under control – despite the fact the current was so strong pupils were panicking in the water. |