SHOCK has engulfed Malibeni Primary School under Mhlangatane Inkhundla following the sudden death of a 32-year-old Grade VII teacher, who was found unconscious inside the bathroom of his house at the teachers’ quarters on Monday morning.
Sandile Mavuso of Ticantfwini in the Manzini region was discovered by a female colleague at about 9:30am after the school administration became concerned when he failed to report for work on time.
Malibeni Primary School Headteacher Allen Mthembu confirmed Mavuso’s death, describing it as a shock to his colleagues, pupils and the wider Malibeni community.
Mthembu explained that Malibeni Primary School is divided into two, being the Lower Malibeni Primary School and Higher Malibeni Primary School, where Mavuso was teaching.
The headteacher said Mavuso started teaching at the lower primary before later proceeding to the upper primary school.
“Upon arrival, I called three teachers, who were teaching subjects that had projects to submit their marks because it was the deadline,” said Mthembu.
He said Mavuso was among the teachers expected to submit the marks, but only two teachers reported. Mthembu said he then tried contacting Mavuso on his mobile phone, but could not get hold of him.
“I then sent the school secretary to look for him. She searched for him at school, but could not find him,” he said.
He said the secretary subsequently proceeded to Mavuso’s house, accompanied by a female teacher, where they made the shocking discovery.
“The two found him lying face down inside the bathroom. They alerted other colleagues before the matter was reported to the police,” said Mthembu.
According to Mthembu, Mavuso appeared to have collapsed after using the toilet, as he was found lying unconscious inside the bathroom. He said Mavuso’s sudden death had left the school community struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, particularly because he had not complained of any illness.
“What makes this more shocking is that he was not sick and had never reported any sickness. Some of his colleagues who last spoke to him on Sunday said he was fine and he never mentioned anything that was troubling him,” he said.
Police confirmed that after Mavuso was found unconscious and was taken to Dvokolwako Health Centre where, he was certified dead by a medical practitioner. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane confirmed the incident.
…He was a peace lover – Late teacher’s father
THE father of the late Sandile Mavuso has described his son as a calm and peaceful person, who disliked violence.
This followed his sudden death at his house at the teachers’ quarters at Malibeni Primary School. The father, Mandla Mavuso, said his son’s sudden death had shocked the entire family, especially because he appeared to be in good health before his death.
He said on Sunday, his son was completely fine and had neither called nor reported any illness to the family.
“He was completely fine on Sunday. He did not call to report that he was sick, and even those who last spoke to him said he did not report any sickness,” said Mavuso.
He described his late son as a calm person, who loved peace and was not talkative.
“He was a peace lover. He was a calm person and did not like violence. He was not a talkative person,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malibeni Primary School administration has also mourned the death of Mavuso, describing him as a hardworking teacher, who was passionate about his job.
Headteacher Allen Mthembu said the school had suffered a huge loss following Mavuso’s death, particularly because of his commitment to teaching.
“He was a hardworking teacher and the school, together with the pupils, has really suffered a huge loss,” said Mthembu.
He said Mavuso’s dedication to his work was evident even during school holidays, when he continued teaching learners until the Umhlanga Reed Dance week.
“Mavuso loved his job. Even during the holidays, he was working and teaching the pupils until the Umhlanga ceremony week,” he said.
Mthembu said Mavuso had last taught his Grade VII class on Saturday, before his sudden death on Monday.
He said the news had brought sadness to the school, particularly among the learners, who had been taught by Mavuso.
“It was sorrow at the school when the pupils received this devastating news. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Mavuso family, his friends, colleagues, parents and the pupils at large,” said Mthembu.
