On  Friday, 12-year-old Mandla Chauke from Refalotse Primary School in Winterveld, Tshwane was excited to be on a school trip like any other child. Information suggests that Mandla suddenly became unresponsive in one of the swimming pools at the resort they were visiting. The Gauteng Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona said they were told that when  the incident happened learners, teachers and parents were present at the resort.

TRY TO RESUSCITATE

He said after lunch, the learners changed into their swimwear to go play at the swimming pools under the supervision of educators and parents.It is alleged that educators and parents were alerted by learners about Mandla  who was unresponsive in one of the swimming pools. "The educators are reported to have immediately removed the learner from the swimming pool and tried to resuscitate him while waiting for emergency services and police to respond accordingly. Unfortunately, the learner was certified dead by paramedics upon their arrival."

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION

MEC for education Matome Chiloane expressed sadness at the sudden passing of Mandla . "We extend our deepest condolences to the learner's family and the school community at large. As the department, we have decided to facilitate a process to appoint an independent law firm to conduct a thorough investigation to establish what transpired. This independent investigation will run parallel to the police's ongoing investigation,' said Chiloane.

DIGNIFIED FUNERAL

Mandla's uncle John Chauke said he was a good child who spent most of his time at home watching cartoons."When he came back from school he would ask one of his aunt's to help him with homework and thereafter it would be me and him fighting over the tv remote but he knew that I don't compromise when it's time for me to watch the news." John said he cannot blame the school for what happened because it was not their fault. "it could have happened to any parent and teachers are also parents to our children and we know that they would never deliberately harm them. We will wait for the postmortem to tell us what exactly happened." The school offered to help the Chauke family with the burial because they know their situation. The department also promised to help with the burial in order for Mandla to get a dignified burial.