Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga at Eqinisweni Secondary School. Image: X/@EducationGP1.
Motshekga visits Gauteng school after four learners commit suicide
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga was in Ivory Park on Friday after four learners from the same school committed suicide.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga at Eqinisweni Secondary School. Image: X/@EducationGP1.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has visited Eqinisweni Secondary School after four learners allegedly committed suicide.
The learners from the school in Ivory Park allegedly committed suicide between 26 April and 5 May.
MOTSHEKGA VISIT EQINISWENI SCHOOL AFTER LEARNERS COMMIT SUICIDE
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said information at their disposal indicates that the first incident occurred on Friday, 26 April.
It is alleged that a Grade ten girl learner drank poison at home. She was rushed to a local clinic, where she was unfortunately declared dead.
In the second incident, which occurred on Thursday, 2 May, a Grade 11 girl learner was found dead at home by her parents. It is alleged she also tragically took her own life by consuming poison.
Subsequently, on Friday, 3 May, a Grade 11 boy learner was also hospitalised after he allegedly consumed poison. Unfortunately, he passed away while receiving medical treatment.
In the fourth incident, which occurred on Sunday, 5 May, a Grade 12 girl learner also allegedly drank poison at home and sadly passed away while being transported to a nearby clinic.Β
On Friday, 10 May, Motshekga was accompanied by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane to engage with the school community following the tragic incidents.
The Minister and MEC met with the School Management Team (SMT), the School Governing Body (SGB), educators and learners.
In order to curb learner suicide which is becoming prevalent in the country, Motshekga also encouraged the learners to reach out to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) whenever they face challenges.
