GAUTENG. – The Gauteng MEC for Education and Youth Development Panyaza Lesufi  has called on parents and learners  to contact  LifeLine  on 0861 322 322 for assistance when required. This follows the recent deaths of learners in Gauteng schools.

Lesufi is distraught at the tragic death of a 16-year-old Grade 10 boy learner from Ferndale High School, who jumped from the 3rd floor school balcony today. It is reported that the deceased learner had an epileptic seizure which resulted in him jumping from the 3rd floor balcony.

Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve mabona says, “Paramedics and the parents of the said learner were immediately called to the scene and the learner was rushed to a nearby hospital after being attended on the scene.Unfortunately the learner succumbed to his injuries.”

In a separate incident,  a 17-year-old Grade 11 girl learner from Tharabollo Secondary School committed suicide at her home on Sunday.

It is alleged that the learner drank poison while alone at home. Upon being found, she was rushed to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, whereby she was certified dead on arrival.  The police are investigating circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

Lesufi says, “We take this time to send our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and the school communities, during this time of grief. No words are enough to express our sorrow at a loss of a child. We hope that the families will find comfort in the knowledge that we too share their loss,”

“Our Psycho Social Unit has commenced with the necessary support and counselling to both school communities and this support will be extended to the bereaved families.” Lesufi concludes