Around 100 locals held a peaceful picket outside Spine Road
\nHigh on Thursday 20 February, at the end of the school day, following news of
\nthe alleged suicide of the school\u2019s Grade 9 learner Niyaaz Smith at his New
\nWoodlands home the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social-media and community groups allege the incident was
\nthe result of bullying, not only from learners but an educator as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education
\nDepartment, said the department was informed of the teenager\u2019s death, but that
\nthe allegations were false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur condolences to the family, friends and the school
\ncommunity for their loss. Counselling support has been offered to the
\nschool. We are, however, concerned about the various stories doing the
\nrounds of what led to this incident. Various allegations are being put out
\non social media. The school, however, has confirmed there have been no
\nprevious reports of bullying involving the learner at the school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A second allegation was that Niyaaz was requested to remove \u201cThe WCED is investigating, but also asks that we do Niyaaz was buried according to Muslim burial rites today, Read more on this story in our next edition. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Around 100 locals held a peaceful picket outside Spine Road High on Thursday 20 February, at the end of the school day, following news of the alleged suicide of the school\u2019s Grade 9 learner Niyaaz Smith at his New Woodlands home the day 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\nhis Islamic headgear, when the school had a policy of accommodating cultural
\nand religious accommodations in its policy on the school uniform. TygerBurger<\/em>
\nhad occasion to observe the policy in practice on visiting the school on
\nThursday (20 February), including allowing the wearing of hijabs and modest
\nfloor-length school dresses by female learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nnot speculate until such information is confirmed,\u201d said Hammond. \u201cWe
\nappeal to the public to remember that a family and school community are
\ngrieving a terrible loss, so please allow them the space to do so with respect
\nand dignity, and without disruption.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFriday 21 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n