Joy Maimela, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, has expressed horror at the deaths of numerous learners in Gauteng on Tuesday.
“This is indeed incredibly sad such young lives, dying so tragically. They will now never reach their full potential. The youth is the future, but South Africa will now never benefit from these young people,” said Maimela.
This follows reports that three siblings in Grades 3, 4, and 5 from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng were brought to a local healthcare centre and declared dead.
“According to information at our disposal, the incident unfolded at around 8am in the morning when a Grade 4 class teacher brought a sick boy learner to the sick bay,” said the Gauteng department of education in a statement.
A short while later, the boy's sibling was brought to the sick bay and told staff that they had consumed pap, milk and biscuits at home. The department said the girl lost consciousness shortly thereafter.
“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,” the department said on Tuesday.
In a separate incidence, a Grade 8 student at Ekurhuleni’s Tsakane Secondary School died yesterday after allegedly consuming rat poison.
“We want to appeal to all learners to seek help if they feel overwhelmed. Schools normally have support systems in place and learners should make use of this,” said Maimela.
Maimela urged parents and carers to be attentive, particularly as the Grade 12 preliminary and final tests approach. She advocated for a conducive learning environment for students at this time.
Maimela also said that the body of a Grade 10 learner was found in the storeroom late last week at the Overberg High School in Caledon, Western Cape.
“This learner was sent to school in what is supposed to be a safe environment. Now her parents and loved ones will never see her thrive in life,” she said.
She pleaded to the authorities for increased safety in schools.
“Furthermore, we appeal to the police for swift investigations and to ensure that they leave no stone unturned.”
IOL