South African schools and its neglect
There is nothing peaceful about South Africa. Even our peace is violent, our violence is violent.
This is not a judgement on my country, it is a fact. We live in a country that was built on violence, we then endured institutionalized violence of Apartheid, and now we are on the precipice of either more violence or a different kind of it. Either way it is conflict, it is fighting, it is shouting to be heard.
Neglect is violent too.
Enoch Mpianzi’s (13 years old) death was not just accidental. It was neglect. It was a school that failed in its role as a child’s guardian in the absence of their parents. Enoch died by drowning after a school water activity with his high school; Parktown Boys High at the Nyati River near Brits in the North West on last Wednesday. His body was discovered the Friday morning.
Local media narratives have spun tales that indirectly blame his parents for not being able to afford a life jacket. If this was the case Enoch should have been excluded from the activity. What is alarming as well is the 17 hours it took for Enoch to have been discovered missing, and then the grisly discovery of his body at the river. The Times Live ran this distasteful headline in the wake of the discovery. The callousness and classism out in full force, instead of reporting tastefully on a tragedy we shouldn’t have seen.
A free and fair press can also be violent. Instead of presenting us with the facts in a manner that is impartial; Enoch’s parents are slighted for not being able to afford a life jacket. Which is not a necessity, but a must-have when engaging in watersports. Many people have confirmed who offer watersport activities these are provided free of charge, or at a rental depending on the resort etc.
I am thinking back to when we had big walks to the local beaches, and we had to make sure our parents sign indemnity forms; basically saying the school is responsible for us whilst we partake in the activity outside of school grounds. The Mpianzi’s would be reasonable to assume Enoch would be safe at the camp.
Gross negligence also invalidates any indemnity form signed by parents.
A full investigation is underway as confirmed by the Gauteng MEC for Education; Panyaza Lesufi.
We hope the truth comes to light, and that Enoch can rest in peace and his family finds some semblance of closure.
#EnochMpianzi #ParktownBoysHigh