Mmegi

A life changing mitigation

A close friend of mine once told me that, decades ago while at high school, he faced a case that warranted expulsion from school. When summoned to the school’s principal office, he had a feeling of foreboding that his fate had been sealed. Indeed, the judgment was that the school could no longer have him in the enrolment.

But while about to pack his things and leave, he asked to say something. And he was permitted to do so. In mitigation, he told the panel of judges if they were aware that they had just kicked out a first class student and therefore, denied the school an opportunity to shine.

That was a life changing mitigation. He was asked to step outside, and a few minutes later, he was given a very light punishment. The rest is history. The man has done well in life. So appreciating the complexities and intricacies associated with school educational management may not be fully realised through the lens of a pure academic exercise.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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