The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the forensic report of Enoch Mpianzi. The Gauteng MEC of Education Mr Phanyaza Lesufi has done a sterling job to make sure those that are implicated are brought to book timeously including the Headmaster of Parktown Boys. Though this will not bring closure to the Mpianzi family, but it is a warning to many more schools that Nyathi lodge is not a befitting camping site as Enoch is the fifth pupil to die there while taking part in a water activity. This institution should be closed as it has become a death-trap for our children. The Parktown Boys High School Governing Body’s silence is too loud, it raises so much concern, not only to the parents of children at the school but to South Africa as a whole. The UDEMWO would like to thank the South African Human Rights Commission for stepping in on this pernicious case and assisting the Mpianzi’s family when they had no one else to turn to. We hope this type of negligence will not happen to any of our schools, this should be a lesson learnt to everyone in the Education fraternity. Educators should treat leaners as their own children. Once again, To the Mpianzi’s Family. May you be comforted. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation is as shocked as President Cyril Ramaphosa would be, at the total negligence at Parktown Boys High, where a young boy named Enoch Mpianzi lost his life during their trip at Ngathi River and Bush lodge. We ask ourselves a question, why there was no roll call before the children stepped into the bus and at the site before resuming activities. This type of negligence leaves much to be desires and it is totally unacceptable. The UDEMWO calls all stakeholders to take their task serious, for example; the teachers should take full responsibility for the children. This brings us to the question of indemnity! Why parents must sign indemnity when children embark on school outings? What is the role of the teachers during school outings? By signing the indemnity, parents are signing death warranties for their children as the teachers shack their responsibility and leave the children to their own peril. UDEMWO calls for the signing of indemnity in schools to be reviewed as this puts the lives of the children at risk with no one taking responsibility. Children are entrusted to the teachers and teachers should be held accountable. The UDEMWO calls on all involved to be held accountable and legal actions to be taken to serve as an example to all others in the profession. We are saddened by this incident, we send our warmest and deepest condolences to the Mpianzi’s family. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDMWO Secretary General