The MEC for education Matome Chiloane expressed pain at the loss of three more learners reported to have passed on this weekend. On Friday when he visited the families of two learners from Wedela Technical school, who dided in a scholar bus accident, he labeled himself the MEC of crisis. He claims that since he took over he's been met with one tragedy after the other.

ONE TRAGEDY AFTER THE OTHER

The learners are from different schools and the nature surrounding  their deaths varies. On Friday, 21 October, Bopasenatla Secondary School in Soweto reported that a grade 10 girl learner passed on whilst on her way home from school. According to information received, learners notified the transport driver of a learner who was vomiting and foaming at the mouth. The driver then went off his drop-off route course to rush the learner to a nearby clinic. Unfortunately, the child was declared dead on arrival. Police are investigating circumstances surrounding this incident.

SUDDEN DEATHS

Meanwhile in Thokoza, a learner from Buhlebuzile Secondary passed away at school. The grade 10 girl learner passed away at school on Thursday, after collapsing in class.Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. In Tembisa an  eight-year-old boy learner from Ecaleni Learners with Special Needs School in Tembisa passed away on Friday. This after he fell  unconscious in a scholar transport, a week prior to his death.
Reports allege that on Friday, 14 October, while being transported home, the learner suddenly fell unconscious and was bleeding from the mouth.
The transport driver applied first aid on the learner and took him home to receive further care. However, his condition worsened while at home and he was hospitalised. Unfortunately, the department was informed that the child had passed away. "We are deeply saddened to have received these reports of the passing of our learners. Our sincerest condolences goes out to the families of our beloved learners and the school communities for their loss," said  Chiloane.

SUPPORT

He said their  psychosocial support team will be dispatched to each of the schools to provide counselling to those affected by these unfortunate incidents. This support will also be extended to the affected families of the deceased learners.The MEC will be visiting the schools and families on Monday