The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) has confirmed the Gauteng principal dismissal of Thembi Letsoalo, former head of Daveyton Skills School. Her actions led to the tragic drowning of two pupils during an unauthorised trip. The ruling, announced on August 26, 2025, sends a clear message: school leaders must prioritize learner safety.
Tragedy Strikes on Unauthorised Camp
In April 2024, two pupils drowned at a discipline camp near Hennops River, Daveyton. The trip, organized by Letsoalo, lacked approval from the Gauteng Department of Education. This incident was a catalyst in the Gauteng principal dismissal process. Sources reveal no educators supervised the learners, and only one social worker was present, violating safety protocols. This negligence directly caused the deaths.
Negligence at the Core of Ruling
The ELRC found Letsoalo guilty of gross negligence. She bypassed mandatory safety rules, including proper supervision and risk assessments. The dismissal of the Gauteng principal was upheld as a necessary consequence, highlighting the need for strict adherence to excursion guidelines to protect children.
Education Department Backs Decision
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane praised the ruling, emphasizing zero tolerance for negligence. The department’s investigation, concluded in July 2024, confirmed the trip was unauthorized. This affirmation supports the Gauteng principal dismissal wholeheartedly, as they stressed that all school outings must have full approval to ensure safety.
Families Seek Closure Amid Grief
The pupils’ families remain heartbroken, grappling with an unimaginable loss. The principal’s dismissal in Gauteng offers some accountability, but it cannot erase their pain. Community members are now calling for stronger safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
A Call for Safer Schools
This case underscores the urgent need for robust safety protocols in schools. The dismissal of the Gauteng principal serves as a wake-up call for educators nationwide. Schools must enforce strict trip approvals and supervision to keep learners safe, ensuring no family endures such a loss again.
