Education MEC regrets the death of two learners in Kaalfontein
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families following these tragic incidents. Our top priority is to provide all the necessary support to the learners, staff, and families impacted by these tragedies."
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is aware of the two learner deaths at David Makhubo High School in Kaalfontein.
On May 9, the school held a memorial service organised for a Grade 10 male learner who died following an illness on May 2.
During the memorial service, another sombre event unfolded.
A Grade 12 male learner collapsed in the schoolyard.
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“Learners promptly alerted the educators to the incident, and despite the initial assumption that the learner had fainted, the situation was grave. Emergency services were called, and the learner’s parents were informed,” said Chiloane.
He added that there was no immediate disclosure of the incident to those at the memorial service to prevent panic.
“Regrettably, the learner did not survive, and this was disclosed at an assembly the next day, May 10.
“Before the announcement could be made, some learners, overwhelmed by the unfolding events, experienced fainting spells. This incident was captured in videos that have since gone viral on social media platforms,” said Chiloane.
Additionally, on Friday, chaos ensued when some community members entered the school premises.
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“In the turmoil, there were instances of learners driven out of the school grounds and unfortunate acts of looting of school resources, including food supplies from the National School Nutrition Programme,” said Chiloane.
He confirmed that circuit management was on site on May 9 and 10 to oversee the handling of the situation.
“The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the Grade 12 learner and are making all efforts to understand the sequence of events that led to this heartrending incident.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families following these tragic incidents. Our top priority is to provide all the necessary support to the learners, staff, and families impacted by these tragedies.
“Counselling services and other forms of support are extended to assist the school community during this difficult time,” said Chiloane.
