Unsafe Grounds: Can schools be held liable for sports injuries?

When a child is injured at school, who is held accountable? In this episode, we explore the legal implications of pupil injuries during school activities, through the lens of a recent High Court case: RM v MEC for the Department of Education, Limpopo. The case involved a Grade 11 learner who fractured her arm while practising netball on an unsafe school field — raising questions about negligence, duty of care, and the responsibilities of public schools under South African law. We break down key legal concepts like the but-for test, the school's obligation to ensure a safe environment, and how Section 61A of the Schools Act affects liability. If you're a parent, educator, or legal professional, this episode offers practical insight into the protections — and the gaps — in place when it comes to learners' safety.