A distraught family is desperate for answers after a Hankey teenager allegedly took her own life after reported bullying at school.
The parents of Elthia Jaffon, 14, said they were still struggling to come to terms with their daughter’s untimely death a week ago.
Now, Derrick and Magdalene Jaffon are determined to uncover the truth.
Elthia was found by Magdalene on Monday in their home in the Silvertown informal settlement.
That same day, a video surfaced showing Elthia involved in what appeared to be a physical altercation with another pupil.
This reportedly stemmed from a bullying incident where Elthia had been ridiculed for her poverty and academic achievements.
Her father said she was upset by the video and wanted it to be removed, and had asked her mother to confront the pupil and those who had allegedly recorded it.
On returning home, Elthia said she wanted to rest.
However, she allegedly subsequently took her own life.
Eastern Cape education department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said an investigation was under way.
He said psychological support had been provided to the school body.
When the reporter visited the family home at the weekend, Magdalene was sitting outside, sobbing.
All she said was that the loss had weighed heavily on the family.
Derrick, meanwhile, paced up and down the yard, clipboard in hand, as he made calls to organise his little girl’s funeral.
Speaking from their one-bedroom house, a visibly heartbroken Derrick said he felt empty and hurt.
“She was my everything, my little girl.
“She was going to change our lives and pull us out of this poverty.
“She was smart, so smart. Always top of her class.”
He said she had lofty dreams.
“She always talked about being one of the best in the country.
“That dream has now gone with her to the grave.”
He described his daughter as “jolly”.
“We always watched those game shows on TV together.
“She was a genius and knew the answer before they even said it.
“Then she’d say, ‘see, I told you’. She also loved to sing.
“It did not matter where we were, she would just start singing. And she was a great cook too.
“She wanted to be a chef one day.”
He said on that fateful day, a part of him died with her.
“I keep hoping this is all a bad dream, that it is not real.
'I miss her laugh, her smile, everything about her,” he said.
“I don’t know how to keep going.
“I still remember getting the call at work that she had taken her own life.
“When I came home, she was on the floor.
“I immediately felt for a pulse but there was nothing.
“I told her to be strong and to keep fighting.
“I started praying too.
“I tried to shake her awake, to tell her it’s OK, that we’re here for her. But I couldn’t. She was already gone.”
He said when the paramedics arrived and declared her dead at the scene, he felt numb.
Derrick said she had not left a note.
“I keep replaying everything in my head, trying to find a clue or a sign.
“We won’t rest until we know the truth.
“She endured so much [alleged] bullying because she was smarter than them [her peers].
“It is like she has just gone away for a bit. But I know she is never coming back.
“That is the hardest part. I don’t know what the future holds. It won’t be the same.
“There’s a big hole in my heart.”
Mental health advocate Candice Lambert said bullying was a pervasive and insidious issue.
“Its impact is profound, particularly during the early years of adolescence,” she said.
“Teenagers are at a critical juncture in their development, forming their identity, building self-esteem and navigating complex social landscapes.
“When faced with bullying, this delicate process is disrupted, often with devastating consequences.”
She said the emotional toll of bullying was immense.
“Victims often experience a range of debilitating mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and low self-worth.
“The constant fear, isolation and humiliation can erode a young person’s sense of safety and belonging, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.”
Education expert Prof Susan van Rensburg said a school environment should be a place of learning and growth.
“Unfortunately, bullying often undermines this fundamental purpose.
“I have witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects of bullying on pupils’ academic and social development.
“Schools must take a proactive approach to addressing bullying.
“This involves implementing comprehensive anti-bullying programmes that educate pupils, staff and parents about the nature and consequences of bullying.”
The teenager’s death was the second blow to the family as Derrick and Magdalene also lost their three-year-old daughter to cancer in 2018.
A receptionist at Hankey Secondary School referred all questions to the education department.
She declined to be named.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or thinking about ending their life, speak to a mental health professional, or contact the suicide helpline on 0800-567-567, or the Cipla Helpline on 0800-456-789, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, SMS 31393.
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