Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Matome Chiloane, wishes to express his profound sorrow over the deaths of three learners from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng on Monday, 12 August.
“According to information at our disposal, the incident unfolded at around 08:00 in the morning when a Grade 4 class teacher brought a sick boy learner to the sick bay. Despite immediate assistance, the learner was unresponsive. Emergency services and the learner’s mother were swiftly called. In a distressing turn of events, the learner’s sibling, a Grade 3 girl learner, was also brought to the sick bay and mentioned that they had eaten pap, milk,and biscuits at home. The learner soon became unresponsive as well. A third sibling, a Grade 5 girl learner, was also found to be unresponsive. All three learners were rushed to a nearby clinic, where, tragically, they were declared dead,” said Steve Mabona.
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. In a separate and equally tragic event, MEC Chiloane is deeply saddened to have learned of the death of a Grade 8 learner from Tsakane Secondary School in Ekurhuleni, also on Monday, 12 August. Reports indicate that the incident took place during school hours when two Grade 8 girl learners allegedly ingested rat poison on the school premises.
One of the learners collapsed and had to be carried to the school’s administration block, while the other, though visibly weak, managed to walk there. Emergency services and the learners’ parents were immediately contacted. Sadly, one of the learners was declared dead on school premises, while the other was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent care.
The police are currently investigating this tragic incident. MEC Chiloane strongly encourages learners to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) by calling their 24-hour helpline on 0800 68 78 88 if they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, rather than turning to such tragic actions. Support is available, and no one should face their challenges alone.
SADAG will be offering targeted support for learners, including sessions for Grade 12 students as they prepare for their Preliminary Examinations. These sessions will cover critical topics such as managing exam stress, effective relaxation techniques and ways parents can support their teenagers during this demanding period.
The first session will be broadcast live on their Instagram page (@sadag_official) tomorrow on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, at 6 pm.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of these young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and school communities affected by these devastating incidents. Our psycho-social support team will be dispatched to provide necessary support to everyone involved during this difficult time,” said MEC Chiloane.
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