Gauteng Family Sues Education Department for R8 Million After Son’s Severe School Lab Burns

Phororong Primary School Student Left with Permanent Ear Damage After Chemical Lab Burn Incident

In a tragic lab burn incident at Phororong Primary School in Khutsong, a family launched an R8 million lawsuit against the provincial Department of Education after their young son sustained severe chemical burns due to a dangerous substance obtained from an allegedly “unlocked” school laboratory. This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in schools and the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure students’ well-being.

Incident Overview

The family’s claim centres on their nine-year-old son, Onkarabile Thobowa, who was severely injured two years ago during a school-hosted colouring event. The young boy, along with 25 classmates, unknowingly accessed a harmful chemical, mistaking it for paint. The chemical left Onkarabile with significant facial injuries and permanent ear damage that now necessitates a hearing aid.

According to Onkarabile’s mother, Beauty Thobowa, the lack of proper safeguards in the school laboratory led to the tragic accident. Witnesses confirmed that the laboratory was left unlocked, allowing the children to access harmful chemicals. The family has since taken legal action, alleging that the department’s negligence directly caused their son’s suffering.

Medical and Legal Developments

Following the accident, Onkarabile was transported to Potchefstroom Hospital, thanks to the school’s principal and governing body members. However, his mother reports that the family has faced continued challenges in securing adequate medical support. The department has not provided financial assistance for ongoing medical treatments, leaving the family to cover extensive medical expenses out of pocket.

Legal representatives for the family have submitted a letter of demand to the department, requesting R8 million in damages. The breakdown includes R6 million for general damages, R500,000 for past medical expenses, and R1.5 million for future medical needs. To date, the department has yet to respond to the lawsuit formally, although it has acknowledged an investigation into the incident is underway.

Department’s Response and Investigation

Despite initial communications with the Department of Education, Beauty Thobowa says the department has refused to disclose investigation findings, citing a policy to protect the privacy of witnesses. Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that the investigation remains ongoing and promised updates upon completion.

Ongoing Concerns and Call for Accountability

For Onkarabile’s family, this ordeal has underscored the importance of school safety and accountability. The incident has sparked a larger conversation among parents, who now question the adequacy of safety measures in school environments. Many are urging the Department of Education to strengthen its protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future and to provide financial and emotional support for affected families.

As the legal battle progresses, Onkarabile’s family remains hopeful that their pursuit of justice will lead to systemic improvements in school safety. In the meantime, they face the challenges of managing his medical care and adapting to life with the permanent consequences of the tragic incident.

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