Sibonelo Zwane
An assistant teacher accused of bullying a gay learner who later committed suicide has been fired.
Tiro Moalusi, a grade 9 pupil from PJ Simelane High School in Dobsonville, took rat poison after the assistant teacher allegedly mocked him about his sexuality in front of the class.
Tiro,15, was about to present his English speech when he was turned into a laughing stock by a teacher who allegedly called him sisi/buti, meaning sister/brother.
Family spokesperson Palesa Phuthagang said the family wanted to see the teacher concerned. She said this would help them in their healing journey.
The family was called to the school last Tuesday to give their statement but they remain with many unanswered questions.
“The principal still claims that he didn’t know the assistant teacher because he didn’t hire her. He claims he only learned about her existence after Tiro’s death,” she said.
Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the South African Council for Educators (SACE) has launched an investigation into the matter.
“The SACE investigator has met with our district officials and they will work together to crack this case,” he said.
Image source: @MambaOnline
