The shocking death of 17-year-old matric pupil Libone Yaka has cast a painful spotlight on the mounting stress South African learners face during their final school examinations. Libone, a Grade 12 learner at Byletts Combined School near East London, died by suicide after be
ing caught cheating in a physical science exam — an incident that has left his school, family and community devastated.
A memorial service was held this week, where teachers, classmates and family described Libone as a gentle, disciplined and smiling young man who showed great promise both academically and in sport. His principal, Monde Yeko, remembered him as a quiet pupil who had never once been in trouble since starting Grade 10. “He was always neat, always smiling, a disciplined learner,” Yeko said.
THE INCIDENT THAT TRIGGERED THE TRAGEDY
The cheating incident occurred during the physical science paper 2 exam on November 10. According to Eastern Cape education spokesperson Mali Mtima, Libone and four hostel roommates allegedly hid a study guide in a bathroom and took turns consulting it during bathroom breaks. When the principal searched the bathroom, he found the study guide. All implicated pupils had their half-written papers confiscated and were given new ones, as per exam regulations.
However, Libone was the only pupil who admitted to wrongdoing. His uncle, Mkhululi Yaka, believes this was due to his honest and respectful nature. “He feared discipline and took the blame to show respect. He must have been worried about what people would say,” he said.
Later that evening, when pupils returned from study time at 9pm, Libone was missing from the hostel. A search was launched, and at around 10:30pm, learners found him hanging from a tree behind the school, having used his school tie. Police have since opened an inquest, confirming that no foul play is suspected.
A LEARNER UNDER PRESSURE
Libone had been expected to achieve a Bachelor’s pass. He excelled in public speaking, rugby, and was admired for his vintage “kofifi” fashion style. His death, educators say, is symptomatic of the overwhelming pressure many learners face during matric.
Principal Yeko said the aftermath has been emotionally heavy on other pupils. “When they wrote the geography paper after his death, you could see they were not coping,” he said.
Educational psychologist Tanya van der Walt warns that anxiety, withdrawal, irritability and risky behaviour are common signs of learners struggling under exam pressure — and urges teens to seek support early.
A YEAR OF DISTURBING INCIDENTS
The Department of Basic Education’s weekly exam progress report, released shortly after Libone’s death, reveals a troubling pattern of traumatic events affecting matriculants nationwide. These include:
- Learners robbed at gunpoint during study camps
- Pupils witnessing shootings on school premises
- High numbers of illnesses, stress-related issues and absenteeism
- Pupils writing exams from hospital beds or jail cells
- A Limpopo pupil suffering third-degree burns after boiling water was poured onto him
- A KZN school accident in which a pupil lost her leg
- Break-ins at camps where devices and study materials were stolen
The report underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive psychosocial support in schools.
A COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
On Saturday, Libone was laid to rest in Kwelera. As his family grieves, his story has stirred national concern — prompting calls for deeper mental health interventions and greater compassion for learners navigating one of the most stressful periods of their young lives.
His friend and rugby teammate, Nkanyezi Blom, summed up the loss: “He was gentle, funny and a great leader. We will miss him.”
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