Key Takeaways
- A 17-year-old matric pupil, Libone Yaka, took his own life by hanging himself from a tree with his school tie after being caught cheating in an exam.
- The incident highlights the pressure on teens to perform well in their final exams and the mental stress many pupils battle with.
- Libone was a quiet, disciplined, and gentle pupil who was expected to obtain a Bachelor’s pass and had a passion for rugby and public speaking.
- The Department of Basic Education has reported several incidents of concern over learner welfare and the need for more intensive and holistic psycho-social support during the matric exams.
- Incidents include robberies, shootings, illnesses, absenteeism, stress, arrests, protests, and pupils writing exams behind bars or from a hospital bed.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident has occurred at Byletts Combined School in East London, where a 17-year-old matric pupil, Libone Yaka, took his own life by hanging himself from a tree with his school tie. The incident happened after Libone was caught cheating in an exam, along with three other pupils. Despite being a quiet and disciplined pupil, Libone’s actions have highlighted the pressure on teens to perform well in their final exams and the mental stress many pupils battle with.
The Cheating Incident
The cheating incident occurred during the physical science paper 2 exam on November 10. Libone and his matric peers were full-time boarders at the school and had allegedly planted a physical science study guide in a bathroom, taking turns to consult it during the exam. The school principal, Monde Yeko, discovered the study guide and confiscated the half-completed exam papers, replacing them with new ones. Libone, being the only pupil to own up to the cheating, apologized and showed remorse for his actions.
The Aftermath of the Incident
Libone’s body was discovered by his hostel mates, and an inquest has been opened by the Eastern Cape police. Social workers have been called to support traumatized pupils, and the school has been left to cope with the loss of a promising young student. Libone’s uncle, Mkhululi Yaka, described him as a humble and reserved pupil who would never raise his voice to anyone. He believed that Libone took the blame for the cheating incident because he feared discipline and wanted to show respect.
The Pressure on Matric Pupils
The incident has highlighted the pressure on matric pupils to perform well in their final exams. Educational psychologist Tanya van der Walt stated that many matriculants are anxious and stressed during exams, and some may feel hopeless and want to give up. Common signs of stress include moodiness, irritability, and withdrawal from family and friends. Van der Walt emphasized the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult if pupils are feeling overwhelmed.
Other Incidents During the Matric Exams
The Department of Basic Education has reported several incidents of concern over learner welfare and the need for more intensive and holistic psycho-social support during the matric exams. These incidents include robberies, shootings, illnesses, absenteeism, stress, arrests, protests, and pupils writing exams behind bars or from a hospital bed. In one incident, a pupil suffered third-degree burns after being poured with boiling water by another pupil during a matric camp. In another incident, matriculants were held at gunpoint and robbed of tablets and phones during an exam-prep camp.
Conclusion
The incident of Libone Yaka’s death has highlighted the need for greater support and awareness of the mental health and well-being of matric pupils. The pressure to perform well in final exams can be overwhelming, and pupils need to be encouraged to seek help if they are feeling stressed or anxious. The Department of Basic Education and schools need to work together to provide more intensive and holistic psycho-social support to pupils during this critical period. By doing so, we can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future and ensure that our young people are able to navigate the challenges of their final exams with confidence and resilience.