Principal Faces Disciplinary Hearing After Two Pupils Drown At Discipline Camp

The principal of Daveyton Skills School is set to face a disciplinary hearing following a thorough investigation into the unfortunate death of two students at a disciplinary camp.

The investigation, spearheaded by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane and Thembekile Graham, a project leader from Seanego Attorneys, has revealed serious lapses in protocol and policy adherence by the principal.

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On Tuesday, Matome Chiloane disclosed the results of the investigation. He pointed out that the main purpose of the investigation was to ascertain whether the existing policies and regulations were observed.

According to Chiloane, the principal emerged as the primary individual who failed to comply with any established guidelines, making unilateral decisions from the beginning. “The DC (disciplinary) process will commence immediately as we have now received this report,” Chiloane stated.

The investigation also brought to light that the activities conducted during the discipline camp included exercises that could be considered as corporal punishment, which is expressly prohibited under the South African Schools Act.

These activities not only breached legislative norms but also put the students at significant risk.

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The parents of the deceased students have opened a criminal case against those responsible. Siphamandla Peterson, aged 15, and Sibusiso Sibiya, aged 17, tragically drowned in April this year while at the Hennops River.

Sibiya’s attempt to save Peterson ended with them both losing their lives. The investigation revealed that the principal had completely disregarded the department’s prescribed procedures and policies when organizing the trip, culminating in this tragic loss.