Johnathan Paoli
MEC for Education in Gauteng Matome Chiloane has expressed his shock over the recent peak in learner suicides at Eqinisweni secondary school in Ivory Park.
Speaking on Monday evening, the Education MEC said the loss of lives, especially among the youth, remained a growing concern for the department and that a psycho-social support unit has been dispatched to the school to assist with counselling.
“It is indeed heart-wrenching to witness the loss of young lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by their passing,” Chiloane said.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that four pupils – three girls and one boy – allegedly consumed poison and died shortly after being transported to hospital between 26 April and 5 May. The pupils were in Grades 10 and Matric.
Chiloane praised the work done by the department in conjunction with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in light of the rise in suicides.
“It should be noted that our partnership with SADAG has yielded positive results in Tsakane, where we previously had a similar slew of unfortunate learner suicides. As such, the department commits to continuing with this partnership and conduct learner mental health roadshows to affected schools,” Chiloane said.
In an unrelated incident, a woman teacher from Thuto-Lore Secondary School in Sharpeville was allegedly found dead on Saturday, at Dlomo Dam, near her residence.
“This raises serious concerns around the safety of female educators in the community. We plead with law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in apprehending the suspects, and we also convey our sincerest condolences to the school and bereaved family,” Chiloane said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
