Four learners from Ivory Park School allegedly commit suicide
MEC of Gauteng Department of Education Matomi Chiloane said mental health support services will be provided to the school to ensure learners receive the necessary assistance and guidance during difficult times.
The Ivory Park community in Midrand is reeling from the untimely passing of four young learners from Eqinisweni Secondary School.
As a result, the Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was extremely shocked by a series of devastating but separate incidents where three girls and a boy allegedly committed suicide between April 26 and May 5.
It is alleged that all four had consumed poison on different days.
Read more: Learners raise concerns about the safety of their school in Ivory Park
In a statement, department spokesperson Steve Mobana said according to information at their disposal, the first incident occurred on or about April 26.
“It is alleged that a Grade 10 girl learner drank poison at home. She was rushed to a local clinic, where she was unfortunately declared dead. And, on May 2, 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,” said Mabona.
He said subsequently that on May 3, a Grade 11 boy learner was hospitalised due to having allegedly consumed poison.
“Regrettably, he also passed away while receiving medical treatment. On May 5, a Grade 12 girl learner also allegedly drank poison at home and sadly passed away while being transported to a nearby clinic. Our psycho-social support unit has been dispatched to Eqinisweni Secondary School to provide necessary counselling to the school community. The team will also extend its counselling services to the respective bereaved families,” added Mabona.
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MEC Chiloane urged learners to reach out to support structures and resources the department has made available in instances where they might be facing any challenges.
Such structures include Childline, which can be contacted by dialling 116.
He said learners can also contact the Sadag on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789.
Chilaone said, “It is indeed heart-wrenching to witness the loss of young lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by their loss. Mental health support services will be bolstered in schools to ensure our learners receive the necessary assistance and guidance during difficult times. It should be noted that our partnership with Sadag has yielded positive results in Tsakane where we previously had a similar slew of unfortunate learner suicides.”
He concluded that the department commits to continuing with this partnership and conducting learner mental health roadshows to affected schools.
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