The family of five-year-old Michael Komape who drowned in a pit latrine at his school in Limpopo will receive R1.4 million in damages from the provincial Department of Education before the New Year.
This was the word on Tuesday from the Department of Basic Education, following assurances from the HOD in Limpopo, Beauty Mutheiwana.
National spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said they will "not waste time" in making that payment after the courts provided direction on the amount of damages to be paid to the family.
He told Algoa FM News that "it is the right thing to do" adding that the payment will be done "in the next few days".
Mhlanga also said that the Department rejected allegations that it had not supported the Komape family after little Michael's death at the Mahlodumela Lower Primary School on 20 January 2014.
"Support was offered immediately after the passing away of the child, also towards the funeral, and years after the regrettable incident."
He also explained why the Limpopo Department of Education defended the matter in court after the Komape's appealed a High Court ruling when their claim for damages for grief was rejected.
"The Department needed the court to interpret the legal question regarding damages. Now that the court has given a ruling on the amount, we will pay," Mhlanga said.
"It was never about money, but the need for a competent authority, to provide guidance on the appropriate quantum to be paid."
The lobby group, Equal Education said the judgment recognised that Michael suffered the “most appalling and undignified death” and rebuked the State for conduct which exacerbated the Komape family’s mental agony and grief.
(Image: Equal Education)
