MMC visits Ferndale High School after death of learner
FERNDALE – After a Ferndale High School Grade 10 learner tragically fell to his death, Gauteng MMC for education Panyza Lesufi shared more details of the incident.
Gauteng MMC for Education Panyaza Lesufi addressed members of the media on 12 February after a Ferndale High School Grade 10 learner tragically fell to his death.
“The start of this year has been difficult for all of us… It is a bad omen that I wish would come to an end. I have run out of comforting words for all the tragedies we have experienced in our schools in the past month. I’m here again, not visiting a school to check academic progress, but to prepare the school to accept death.
“This youngster was supposed to have lived a full, happy and professional life, and sadly it has been cut short,” said Lesufi.
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Lesufi said the school gave him a full report of the incident.
He said that the boy fell to his death after the school’s second period around 9.30am.
Indications stated that the learner looked unwell. Before classes start, the learners line up in rows on the balcony. The boy passed out during an epileptic fit, falling over the third-floor balcony in full view of classes of learners below.
“Teachers said that they heard screaming, but it was not the usual classroom banter. Teachers called paramedics who treated him on the scene and rushed him to hospital, where he, unfortunately, passed away,” said Lesufi.
He added that the Gauteng Department of Education is providing social services to the learners and staff at the school to comfort them during this time.
Lesufi has in recent days continuously appealed for divine intervention as the death of the learner marks 11 for the province since the beginning of the year.
The school will prepare a memorial service for the learner on 14 February.
