Cape Town – A life skills peer education seminar reportedly ended in tragedy when a grade 11 learner died after drowning at a hotel near Rustenburg on Saturday.
The 21-year-old pupil from Michael Modisakeng Secondary School was reportedly among 92 boys who attended the seminar aimed at empowering boys.
The deceased disappeared while the group was playing soccer, reported TimesLIVE.
“The seminar was attended by 92 boys from Moretele and Madibeng subdistricts. In the morning the learners were engaging in different indoor activities and during lunch they were given time to play soccer. It is alleged that the deceased disappeared without anyone noticing and went on to jump into the swimming pool,” the report quoted the department spokesperson, Elias Malindi as saying.
Malinda said guests who were at the hotel and close to the swimming pool informed authorities that a pupil had jumped into the swimming pool.
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“Immediately, the departmental officials rushed and took him out of the swimming pool. They tried to save his life by giving him cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] while waiting for the ambulance and his family. Upon the arrival of the emergency service unit, the learner was declared dead at the scene,” said Malindi.
According to News24, North West Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela conveyed her condolences to the school and the family, adding that “this unfortunate incident came unexpectedly”.
“The Grade 10 and 11 boy learners attended an important Peer Education Seminar, which discussed topical issues like gender-based violence, prevention of teenage pregnancy and bullying in school. The aim is to empower boys to be responsible adults when they leave school. A similar summit was hosted the previous week at Moses Kotane sub-district, and the plan is to cover the entire province.
“Now, seeing the seminar ending like this, is truly devastating,” said Matesemela.
Matsemela said the pupil’s peers would be provided with psychosocial support before they return home.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
