The Teen couple
Two high school student' excitement at a marriage proposal on the school grounds captured on video has been cut short.
According to Sowetan Live, 18-year-old Mduduzi Tlou, proposed to
his 16-year-old girlfriend (whose name is withheld because she is
underage) at Tholulwazi Secondary School in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, South
Africa last week, with the video going viral on social media.
But a few hours after the two got "engaged" in front of
cheering fellow pupils, the school confiscated a R2000 ring Tlou had
bought for his girlfriend and suspended both pupils.
The pupils yesterday appeared before a school disciplinary hearing.
Tlou said he was worried that he was missing out on learning while
on suspension. He has already missed four class tests. He wants to
finish his studies, find a job and marry his sweetheart.
The girlfriend said she, too, was worried that she was missing out on her schooling. "When
they took my ring at school, I wanted to cry. He asked me to marry him
and make him the happiest man on earth. We are not going to get married
now. We will get married after we both finish school," she said.
The couple's parents said they were elated by the proposal, however, they were worried by the pupils' suspension.
Tlou's grandfather Jacob Xaba said: "Why is this relationship being turned into a crime? He must marry her. I will even give him my savings for lobola."
The girl's mother, Nomsa, said: "I am happy with the step these children are taking. Mduduzi is a good boy. I can't think of a better son-in-law."
Gauteng education spokesman Steve Mabona said the pupils acted indecently by kissing and touching in front of their schoolmates.
"Surely such behaviour will not be tolerated in our schooling
environment. A school is an institution of learning. The disciplinary
process by the SGB . will pave a way forward." he said.