Grade 10 pupil collapses and dies after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class

A Tragedy in the Classroom: Rethinking Discipline in South African Schools

The recent death of a Grade 10 pupil at Huhudi Secondary School in South Africa has sparked national outrage and reignited urgent conversations about corporal punishment and the culture of discipline in schools. The pupil reportedly collapsed and died after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class. While the North West Department of Education awaits postmortem results to determine the exact cause of death, the incident has already prompted widespread calls for accountability and reform.

According to departmental spokesperson Mphata Molokwane, the pupil required immediate medical attention, but delays in ambulance response led a teacher to transport her to a nearby clinic. In response to the tragedy, a team of psychologists has been dispatched to support both the bereaved family and the school community. Molokwane emphasized that this is the first incident of its kind in the school’s history and that disciplinary action will only be considered after the postmortem is complete. Out of respect for the family, no further details have been released.

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta condemned the incident as a grave failure of the duty of care owed to children. He argued that schools should be safe spaces where learners can thrive, not environments where outdated disciplinary measures endanger their health and dignity. Makaneta called for a full investigation and demanded accountability not only from the teacher involved but also from the school’s leadership and the provincial education department. “This tragic loss should serve as a wake-up call,” he said, “that no child should die at school because of outdated disciplinary measures.”

The Department of Education has reiterated its stance against using physical exercise as punishment, warning that such practices may be considered corporal punishment under South African law. While physical activity is generally beneficial, Molokwane noted that using it as a consequence for misbehavior can negatively influence a child’s attitude toward exercise and create an adverse learning environment. He urged schools to adopt positive behavior management strategies that foster constructive relationships and promote a healthy approach to discipline.

This incident has illuminated the broader issue of corporal punishment in schools, a practice that persists in many parts of the world despite growing evidence of its harmful effects. Globally, corporal punishment has been linked to increased aggression, poor academic performance, and long-term psychological trauma. In South Africa, although corporal punishment is officially banned, enforcement remains inconsistent, and cultural norms often perpetuate its use.

Changing these norms requires more than policy, it demands a shift in mindset. Community-led conversations, teacher training, and public awareness campaigns are essential to reframe discipline as guidance rather than punishment. Schools must become environments where respect, empathy, and safety are foundational values, not optional ideals.

The death of this young learner is a devastating reminder of what’s at stake. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that this tragedy leads to meaningful change, not just in one school, but across the entire education system. Only then can we ensure that no child is ever again put at risk in the name of discipline.