Shock And Grief: Gauteng Launches Probe After Grade R Pupil Dies At A Johannesburg School

The Gauteng Education Department (GDE) is in the process of appointing an independent law firm to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a five-year-old Grade R learner at Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville, Johannesburg.

The learner, Manqoba Mnisi, allegedly died after being left alone in a classroom during a school function — a heartbreaking incident that has shaken his family and sparked concern in the community.

Independent Law Firm to Investigate Grade R Pupil’s Death

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said preliminary details indicate the incident took place on Monday, 2 February 2026.

“The learner allegedly sustained injuries on the school premises. The learner sadly passed away after being hospitalised later that day. The purpose of the independent investigation is to establish the full facts and circumstances surrounding this incident,” Mabona said.

The appointed law firm will be formally introduced by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane to both the Mnisi family and the school on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Chiloane conveyed his condolences, saying: “We express our heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, the school, and the community during this extremely difficult time.”

The MEC is expected to visit Mnisi’s family in Soweto on Friday.

Scholar Transport Services Set to Resume After Payment Delays

In a separate update, Mabona confirmed that scholar transport service providers have now been paid, following recent disruptions.

All affected transport services are expected to resume operations on Monday, 16 February 2026.

“The department sincerely apologises to learners and parents for the inconvenience caused by recent disruptions. We wish to reassure all stakeholders that learner support remains a priority, and comprehensive catch-up programmes are being implemented to minimise loss of teaching and learning time.”

Chiloane urged all stakeholders to engage constructively and prevent further interruptions.

“Such disruptions have a negative impact on the well-being of learners and the broader community. Learning and teaching must remain a priority regardless of any impasse.”

Transport Programme Faces Financial Strain

Earlier this month, parts of the GDE scholar transport programme were brought to a standstill after some service providers suspended operations due to unpaid invoices.

The disruption left many pupils stranded and resulted in poor attendance at certain schools.

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At the time, the department said it was working within “available financial processes” to settle outstanding payments and appealed to transport operators to continue providing uninterrupted services to learners enrolled in the programme.

As investigations into Mnisi’s death move forward, and transport services return to normal, the department faces mounting pressure to restore confidence among parents and communities across Gauteng.