Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane has shared the findings of an investigative report launched following the deaths of Thembisa learners Siphamandla Peterson (15) and Sibusiso Sibiya (17).
Chiloane released the findings of the report this afternoon, July 30.
Siphamandla and Sibusiso were learners at Daveyton Skills School.
Both drowned during a discipline camp at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion on April 15.
The report found that no approval for the trip was granted by the Department.
ALSO READ: Follow-up: GDE recommends investigation after two boys drown
In the report it was stated that the school did not submit any application for the trip as required in terms of Regulation 7 of the Tour Regulations on Domestic and International Tours for Learners at Public Schools.
“Crucial safety measures were, as a result, not adhered to by the School, and which could not be identified and corrected by the Department.”
The findings of the report also stated that the principal instructed that only the school’s social worker accompany the learners and supervise them at the camp.
“There were no educators that were invited or appointed to attend the camp with the learners. There were approximately 19 facilitators from Rising Stars that attended the camp with the learners.
“This was not in accordance with the educator-learner ratio prescribed by the Tour Regulations that at least one male educator accompanies every 20 male Learners and at least one female educator accompanies every 20 female learners or part thereof,” it was stated in the report.
Also read: Thembisa families left devastated after two boys drown
“We are pleased with the findings and recommendations by Seanego Attorneys,” said Chiloane.
“The Department is determined to implement all recommended actions accordingly.”
“The principal has been pre-cautionarily transferred to the district pending a hearing, since the investigative report recommended that she be charged.
“We plead with all Gauteng schools to follow necessary protocols when preparing for excursions and prioritise safeguarding the lives of learners,” said MEC Chiloane.
