CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture has called for educators who were involved in the incident where Bhisho High School learner, Lathitha Nako, committed suicide, to be held responsible.
The committee conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the pupil’s family, friends and fellow students.
Lathitha, aged 16, committed suicide after reportedly enduring bullying for experiencing a calling to become a traditional healer.
When the matter was brought to the attention of some teachers, it is alleged they failed to act, siding with the alleged bullies.
Committee Chair Elleck Nchabeleng said: “It is concerning that the educators are alleged to have suppressed Lathitha’s calling merely because the learner’s calling differed to religious beliefs they ascribed to. At school, teachers should play a role of being parents and not religious counsellors.”
Nchabeleng added that the Eastern Cape authorities should leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the incident.
“It is not enough to just label it bullying, this is victimisation, discrimination and labelling.”
Nchabeleng said if this incident is left unattended, it has the potential to turn people against each other.
“Religious views are personal, and do not give people a right to publicly attack those who subscribe to beliefs other than those they hold,” Ntshabeleng said.
He added that the matter would require police attention as there seemed to be culpability.
Cape Times