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The small community of Ganyesa, North West, is enveloped in grief following the death of 16-year-old Amantle Mocumi, a Grade 10 learner at Huhudi Secondary School, who collapsed and died on Friday, August 8, 2025, after allegedly being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class. The incident has ignited widespread outrage and renewed calls to end corporal punishment in South African schools.
According to reports, Amantle was among learners disciplined by the school principal for being late, instructed to run around the schoolyard. Witnesses say she collapsed during the punishment, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at a nearby clinic.
Her mother, Kenalemang Mocumi, recounted the devastating moment she arrived at the school: “I got into the staff room and found my child lying on the floor, with her shirt off and just her sports bra covering her upper body. It was visible that she had long passed.” She emphasized that Amantle had no history of fainting or medical conditions, deepening the family’s shock and suspicion of foul play.
The North West Department of Education expressed profound sadness, stating the learner suffered a medical emergency during school hours. “The principal immediately notified the learner’s parents and called for an ambulance,” said spokesperson Mphata Molokwane.
With the ambulance delayed, Amantle’s mother and a teacher rushed her to the clinic, where she was declared deceased. The exact cause of death awaits post-mortem results, and the department has pledged to respect the family’s privacy, withholding further details without their consent.
Provincial MEC for Education Viola Motsumi visited the family, offering condolences and support. “We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of such a young life,” she said. “The well-being of our learners is our utmost priority, and I urge that the school works closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened.” The department has deployed psychosocial support units to provide trauma counseling to Amantle’s family, classmates, and school staff, acknowledging the profound emotional toll.
The tragedy has fueled fierce criticism of corporal punishment, banned under the Abolishing of Corporal Punishment Act of 1997 and redefined by the BELA Act to prohibit any form of violence or humiliation. Education activist Hendrick Makaneta condemned the incident as a “serious failure in the duty of care owed to every child.”
He told SABC News, “Disciplinary practices that endanger learners’ health or dignity have no place in a democratic society. This learner’s death could have been prevented.” Makaneta demanded accountability from the principal, school leadership, and the department, urging stricter enforcement of child protection laws.
The ANC Youth League in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District echoed the call for justice, with coordinator Kagiso Kgabo slamming the department for allegedly protecting the principal. “We are disgusted by the manner in which this sensitive matter is being handled,” Kgabo said, demanding the principal’s immediate suspension and a forensic investigation.
As the community mourns, vigils and tributes have poured in, with posts on X reflecting anguish and disbelief. One user wrote, “No one dies from just running unless there’s an underlying issue—justice must be served for Amantle.” The North West Department of Education has urged teachers to abandon physical exercise as punishment, warning it could foster negative attitudes toward activity and violate laws. “Schools should prioritize positive behavior management strategies,” Molokwane stated.
With investigations ongoing and the principal reportedly on sick leave, the family and community await answers. Amantle’s death has not only shattered her loved ones but also cast a harsh light on the persistence of harmful disciplinary practices, prompting a national reckoning on how schools can truly be safe havens for learners.
