Limpopo – The Limpopo Department of Education is grappling with the tragic suicides of two Grade 10 learners who failed to progress to the next grade. The deaths, one at Mphaphuli High School and the other at Thohoyandou Technical School, both in the Vhembe district, have prompted a call for increased support for learners struggling with academic pressure and mental health challenges.
MEC for the provincial Department of Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, expressed profound sadness at the loss. "No words can adequately express the pain and grief that comes with losing a child. May you find strength and comfort in the memories you shared with your loved ones. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and loved ones of these young individuals," she said, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala emphasised the importance of seeking support during this difficult time. "Counselling services are available to help process emotions. Parents and guardians are urged to rally behind their children in a supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being," he stated.
The department's psychosocial team, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, will provide counselling services to affected families and learners. Learners experiencing suicidal thoughts are encouraged to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) helpline or the department's counselling services at 0800 567 567.
This tragic news comes amidst another high-profile case involving the death of a former learner and a substantial civil claim against a prominent school. St John’s College in Johannesburg is one of 11 defendants named in a R61 million civil claim filed by the family of Julio Mordoh, a 20-year-old former learner who died by suicide in November 2022 while at a mental healthcare facility.
The school's executive headmaster, Stuart West, acknowledged the family's grief and stated that the school had actively supported Julio's mental health journey, including financing some medical costs in 2021 as a goodwill gesture. However, West indicated that the school does not agree with the claims made against it. “Together with the senior legal counsel retained by St John’s College, we will formulate our answer to these claims,” he said.
The claims centre around allegations of sexual abuse against a former teacher at St John’s Preparatory School, who resigned in 2013. According to West, the school first learned of these allegations in October 2021 when a former student, now an adult, disclosed the abuse to his parents. This led to an independent investigation, resulting in further reports of alleged abuse by the same teacher. Criminal charges were subsequently laid with the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit on November 15, 2021.
In a viral TikTok video, Julio’s mother, Teresa Mordoh, explained that the family's R61 million claim seeks compensation for the emotional shock, grief, trauma, and financial burden resulting from the ordeal. She highlighted the devastating impact of the alleged abuse on her son's mental health and subsequent suicide.
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The school reported the matter to the South African Council of Educators and the Anglican Safe Church Unit. An independent review, conducted by retired Constitutional Court Judge Johan Froneman, examined the school's safeguarding policies between 2003 and 2013. Froneman's review found no evidence of prior knowledge of the alleged abuse within the school and concluded that there was no cover-up. "There is nothing to indicate that the staff, headmasters of the preparatory and the college, or the council, failed to report criminal conduct that came to their knowledge,” Froneman stated in his review. He noted that no complaints were received during the relevant period.
St John’s College maintains its commitment to supporting survivors of alleged abuse and continues to cooperate fully with authorities. The school emphasises its dedication to learner safety and upholding its moral and statutory responsibility to protect and nurture every child entrusted to its care. The school's zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse and misconduct remains firmly in place.
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