, CMG3701 ASSIGNMENT 4 2025 ANSWERS
DUE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1
The concept of loco parentis refers to the legal and moral responsibility of
educators to act as a reasonable parent would in caring for learners under their
supervision. When learners participate in school activities such as excursions,
the educators and school assume temporary parental authority. This duty
includes safeguarding the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of
learners, ensuring their environment is free from foreseeable harm, and
maintaining appropriate supervision at all times. In the case of the school trip
to Kruger National Park, Progressive Pathways Academy and its staff, including
Mr Dlamini, were entrusted with these responsibilities. Their role extended
beyond academic instruction to include the comprehensive care and protection
of Thabo and Lerato throughout the trip.
1.2
Mr Dlamini’s decision to send Thabo and Lerato home immediately, and
especially during the night, significantly departs from the expected conduct of
a responsible parent or guardian under loco parentis. A reasonable parent
would have taken into account the dangers of night travel for minors, including
safety risks, emotional distress, and the potential for exposure to harm. Even if
the learners had misbehaved, the priority should have been their safety and
well-being until proper disciplinary steps could be followed. Mr Dlamini's action
was rash and disproportionate, lacking the careful judgment expected of
someone temporarily standing in the place of the learners’ parents. His
response disregarded the learners' vulnerability and placed them at risk, which
is inconsistent with the protective and nurturing obligations inherent in the
concept of loco parentis.
1.3
DUE DATE: 21 AUGUST 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1
The concept of loco parentis refers to the legal and moral responsibility of
educators to act as a reasonable parent would in caring for learners under their
supervision. When learners participate in school activities such as excursions,
the educators and school assume temporary parental authority. This duty
includes safeguarding the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of
learners, ensuring their environment is free from foreseeable harm, and
maintaining appropriate supervision at all times. In the case of the school trip
to Kruger National Park, Progressive Pathways Academy and its staff, including
Mr Dlamini, were entrusted with these responsibilities. Their role extended
beyond academic instruction to include the comprehensive care and protection
of Thabo and Lerato throughout the trip.
1.2
Mr Dlamini’s decision to send Thabo and Lerato home immediately, and
especially during the night, significantly departs from the expected conduct of
a responsible parent or guardian under loco parentis. A reasonable parent
would have taken into account the dangers of night travel for minors, including
safety risks, emotional distress, and the potential for exposure to harm. Even if
the learners had misbehaved, the priority should have been their safety and
well-being until proper disciplinary steps could be followed. Mr Dlamini's action
was rash and disproportionate, lacking the careful judgment expected of
someone temporarily standing in the place of the learners’ parents. His
response disregarded the learners' vulnerability and placed them at risk, which
is inconsistent with the protective and nurturing obligations inherent in the
concept of loco parentis.
1.3
