Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has formally introduced Buthelezi-Vilakazi Incorporated, the independent law firm investigating the death of Manqoba Mnisi, a Grade R pupil at Bernard Isaacs Primary School 2 February 2, 2026.
The visit marks one of several steps the department has taken to ensure transparency and accountability following the incident, which has raised questions about safety measures at the school.
Mnisi reportedly suffered injuries on the school premises and later died in hospital.
Chiloane said the law firm will conduct a thorough investigation in line with the department’s terms of reference, follow due process, and conclude its report within two weeks.
“The firm will conduct a thorough investigation in line with our terms of reference, follow due process, and conclude its report within two weeks. Their findings and recommendations will be presented to the family, the school, and the public. We will act on the findings. Accountability must be clear and personal; anything less would be an injustice,” Chiloane said.
Following the family visit in Jabulani, Soweto, Chiloane proceeded to Bernard Isaacs Primary School to meet with the school community and brief the media on the investigation.
He had previously emphasised the need for an independent review, citing conflicting and contradictory reports surrounding Mnisi’s death.
“There have been many reports coming in, and they conflict and contradict each other. That’s why we have appointed this independent investigation law firm , to assist us in getting to the bottom, so that we can provide answers to the family. This will also allow them to begin the process of healing for the loss of their child. But it is quite difficult. The parents, the mother, and the grandfather - they are in pain. When they give us these kids, it’s our responsibility to take full care of them until we let them go after school,” Chiloane said.
He added that the investigation will also support law enforcement and could help the family find some measure of closure. “The investigation will also assist law enforcement and, we hope, help the family find some measure of closure,” he said.
Education officials and the school community have welcomed the appointment of the independent firm, hoping it will provide a clear account of the circumstances that led to Mnisi’s untimely passing. The department has promised to act decisively on the findings and recommendations of the investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Saturday Star