By Kabelo Abel Mokgalabone
GA-MOKGOKONG – Friends, family, and classmates of Joseph Maimela gathered at Ga-Mokgokong village in Mmotong, outside Polokwane, this morning to bid farewell to the 20-year-old matriculant. Maimela, a student at Kgabo Secondary School, was tragically found dead in the nearby bushes last Saturday, in what appears to be a case of suicide.
Maimela left behind a heartbreaking suicide note, where he detailed the abuse and ill-treatment he endured from teachers at his school. In the letter, the young learner expressed deep distress, revealing that his academic progress report card was publicly shared with the entire school community. The humiliation and pressure of struggling with various subjects reportedly became overwhelming.
Anna Maimela, the deceased’s sister, spoke during the funeral, expressing the deep sorrow felt by the family. “We are hurt because he was called names such as stupid, selfish, and told that he would never amount to anything in life,” she said tearfully.
The Limpopo Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading up to Maimela’s death. However, no teachers have been suspended as of yet, with authorities promising to thoroughly probe the claims of bullying and mistreatment.
Maimela’s tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about the treatment of learners in schools. His classmates, who are devastated by the loss, say that Maimela had been struggling with his studies for some time.
The family, friends, and the entire village are mourning the loss of a young life that held so much potential, but was cut short by the heavy weight of emotional pain and academic pressure.
