Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane is outraged at the irregularities surrounding the tragic death of two pupils from the Daveyton Skills School while on an extramural trip and said disciplinary measures have commenced for those responsible.
Chiloane and officials from the Gauteng Department of Education visited the school in Benoni on Wednesday on what it referred to as a fact-finding mission in order to uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate tragedy.
Two boy pupils, aged 13 and 16, drowned during a discipline camp at the Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion on Monday, with initial reports suggesting the trip was organised by a non-profit organisation (NPO).
The MEC confirmed that the trip was not approved by the district, that no teachers were present, and that only one social worker was supervising and was responsible for 90 learners.
Chiloane said that it was alarming that hardly any safety protocols were observed in organising the trip for the learners and that those implicated will be suspended from Wednesday.
“Educators have been given guidelines for excursions. It’s concerning that these seem to be ignored. I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t ensure there are lifeguards near bodies of water on these trips. I urge everyone involved in organising them to take necessary precautions and prioritise our children’s safety,” the MEC said.
The MEC expressed his condolences about the tragic event on Monday and said that the Department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit will be dispatched to the school to provide the necessary trauma support and counseling.
“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of our learners during a school excursion. On behalf of the Department, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to their respective families and the Daveyton Skills School community,” Chiloane said.
Chiloane confirmed that the department has appointed an independent law firm to spearhead the investigation into the tragic event.
“We will institute an independent law firm, and that law firm will assist us to get the bottom of the matter,” the MEC added.
INSIDE EDUCATION
