Cape Town – David Makhubo High School in Kaalfontein, Gauteng, is mourning the loss of two students within a week, intensifying tensions.
A Grade 10 student’s death from illness marked the start of May’s somber atmosphere.
Another tragic event occurred on Thursday, May 9th, coinciding with the memorial service for the Grade 10 student.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the Grade 12 male student passed away after collapsing in the schoolyard.
“Educators were promptly alerted by learners of this incident, and despite the initial assumption that the learner fainted, the situation was grave,” the provincial department said in a statement.
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano is regrettably aware of two tragic learner deaths that occurred at David Makhubo High School in Kaalfontein. pic.twitter.com/ytbiypIKfw
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) May 12, 2024
It said that emergency services responded, and the student’s parents were notified, but the news was withheld during the memorial service to prevent panic.
“Out of a need to maintain calm, the incident was not immediately disclosed to those at the memorial service to prevent panic. Regrettably, the learner did not survive.”
Subsequently, fainting spells among students were witnessed, captured in viral videos.
The South African Police Service is investigating the Grade 12 pupil’s death, while Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane extended condolences and offered support to the affected families and school community.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Unsplash
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
