Pretoria - While the first day of school after the short vacation got off to a good start in most Gauteng schools, a number of serious incidents were reported, including the stabbing of a Grade 6 learner.
The Gauteng Department of Education reported on Monday that a Grade 6 learner at Bula Dikgoro Primary School in Mamelodi was allegedly stabbed to death by another learner inside the school.
“The incident occurred during school hours on [Monday]. The school immediately called for an ambulance and the police. The paramedics certified the 12-year-old Grade 6 learner dead at the scene,” said department spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane.
Sekhonyane reported that the department will put in place an independent investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident.
“Counselling and trauma debriefing will be provided by the department’s social support and pastoral care units to the family and learners at the affected school.”
The department extended its sincere condolences to the family of the learner who passed away, educators and fellow learners.
Roodepoort Primary School
In another incident, the community of Davidsonville in Roodepoort blocked the main entrance to Roodepoort Primary School, preventing learners and teachers from accessing the school.
The department said the community has previously raised concerns about matters relating to recruitment of teachers at the school.
“The department has previously responded to these concerns by pointing out that the recruitment of educators is the competency of School Governing Body members, who represent the parents of learners at the school.
“MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited the school today to listen to the complaints of the community members. He also undertook to conduct an investigation into the allegations relating to recruitment processes at the school,” Sekhonyane said.
He said community members have also made a demand that Afrikaans must be brought back to the school; however, the school is a parallel medium school.
Heidelburg teacher passes away
In Heidelburg, an educator at a learner behavioural camp in Kimiad Camp, Heidelburg, passed away in her sleep following an asthma attack on Monday.
“An ambulance was called to the camp and the matter was also reported to the police. She was certified dead at the scene. The family and colleagues of the deceased were called to the camp and informed about the tragic passing of the educator. Counselling and spiritual care is currently being provided to the colleagues and family of the deceased,” said Sekhonyane.
She said the department will ensure that districts continue to provide support as schools approach the critical time of examinations. The department also urged community members to support schools to give true meaning to the saying that educational is a societal priority. – SAnews.gov.za
