KZN Learner Returns to School After Discrimination Allegations

The 16-year-old learner at the centre of alleged discrimination in Kwamashu has returned to class, following an intervention involving the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.

This was confirmed by Sakhile Mngadi, a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, who posted a video update on TikTok outlining the outcome of meetings held with all parties involved.

“We have met with everybody involved. I’ve met with the uncle and the grandmother and the learner himself,” Mngadi said, adding that he also met with the school management team and officials from the Department of Education.

Mngadi acknowledged that tensions were initially high during the meeting, but said these were addressed to allow for meaningful engagement.

“When we got over the emotions, we got to the crux of the matter,” he said. “What I can say as a takeaway from that meeting is I’m happy to report the child is back at school. He is in class.”

According to Mngadi, the learner returned to class immediately after the meeting, marking a significant step forward after months of being out of school.

“There was a sentiment that I should apologise and even delete the previous video,” Mngadi said. “I’ve made it very clear that I’m not apologetic for highlighting what was a real concern that was raised.”

However, after engaging more deeply with the circumstances, Mngadi said he does not believe the learner was expelled as a direct result of homophobia.

“I don’t think the principal uttered homophobic words or expelled this learner because the principal is homophobic,” he said. “I’m actually quite happy to hear and to have seen that it is a welcoming, open institution, which is what our schools should be.”

Mngadi noted that shortcomings were identified in the school’s disciplinary processes and follow-up procedures, which both the school and the Department of Education acknowledged.

“There are faults around the initial disciplinary process and the lack of follow up that was admitted to by the school and the department, and they will tighten and make better so this never happens again,” he said.

He also acknowledged that certain actions and language used during the process were perceived as discriminatory and hurtful, even if not intentional.

“We can’t shy away from that,” Mngadi said. “If you’re already going through issues as a kid and you hear some of those words being used, it is triggering.”

Mngadi emphasised that all parties reached consensus that the learner’s wellbeing was the priority. Commitments were made by the school to ensure the learner feels safe, supported, and able to report bullying should it occur.

“There was a commitment by everybody to make sure that even if he’s bullied, he now has freedom to approach the teachers,” he said.

The MPL also highlighted the need for ongoing psychological and social support, confirming that counselling services and social workers will remain involved.

“The holistic aspect of this, the psychological support that’s needed, and also just him being in school, is resolved,” Mngadi said.

While the school has denied direct discrimination, Mngadi said there was a shared understanding that improvements are necessary to prevent similar situations in the future.

“When I left that meeting, there was a sense that everyone needs to do some work in improving the situation, which was the point of this whole exercise,” he said.

Mngadi thanked journalists, LGBTQIA+ organisations, and members of the public who helped bring attention to the case, reiterating that the learner’s return to school marks a positive outcome.

“For all intents and purposes, I’m happy to report that he’s back at school,” he said.

MambaOnline will continue to monitor developments as internal processes within the Department of Education continue.