Far-reaching consequences of bullying: suicide of Joseph Maimela
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its sympathies to the family of Joseph Maimela, a Grade 12 student from Kgabo Secondary School in Mokgokong Village, Limpopo, who tragically took his own life in October last year.
His death has highlighted serious concerns regarding the role of educators, particularly allegations that teachers at the school may have contributed to his distress. Reports suggest that teachers publicly shared Joseph's progress report card with the entire school, an action that, if confirmed, would be a significant violation of professional conduct and a breach of the student’s dignity and emotional well-being.
The Maimela family's frustration with the lack of transparency and delayed action from the Limpopo Department of Education is both understandable and justified. Despite claims from the department that an investigation has been concluded, the family has yet to receive any meaningful updates or information on the status of the case. Six months have passed since Joseph’s death, and the family remains in the dark, without any clarity or assurances that accountability will be pursued. This delay in action has left the family feeling unsupported and neglected by the authorities responsible for overseeing the investigation.
In response, the UDM calls for the Limpopo Department of Education to take immediate and decisive action. We call on the Department to speed up the disciplinary process and ensure that those responsible for the alleged bullying are held accountable. The failure to act swiftly would be a disservice to the Maimela family and to all students who deserve to learn in an environment free from fear and harm.
Furthermore, the UDM calls for a comprehensive review of how the Department has handled this case, emphasising the need for transparency and better communication with families involved in serious allegations.
The broader issue of bullying within schools also requires urgent attention. While young Joseph’s tragic case is particularly devastating, bullying is a pervasive problem that affects many students nationwide. Bullying, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, can have severe consequences on a student’s mental health and well-being. The UDM believes that every student should have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment. Therefore, both educators and policymakers must work together to create schools where students feel valued and protected from harm.
Finally, the UDM urges the Limpopo Department of Education, and all provincial education departments, to implement comprehensive anti-bullying strategies in schools. These strategies should include regular teacher training on recognising and addressing bullying, as well as systems that allow students to report bullying confidentially. Schools should also be equipped with mental health resources, including counsellors to support students facing emotional or psychological challenges. The recent data from the Department of Health, revealing that 7,426 children under 18 were treated for suicide attempts in 2023, underscores the critical need for a national focus on mental health in schools, with an emphasis on early intervention and proactive prevention to safeguard the well-being of all students.
