Johannesburg – Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has announced the establishment of an independent investigation into the death of 12-year-old Grade 6 learner Mandla Chauke, who died during a school trip on Friday, December 2.
On Tuesday, the MEC visited the Refalotse Primary School in Winterveld, Tshwane, following his death.
During his visit, the MEC said an independent investigative law firm would be appointed to probe the circumstances surrounding Mandla’s death.
The MEC visited the family of the deceased learner to offer his condolences and extend psychosocial support, while also assuring them of the ongoing investigation into the matter.
"As the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), we have decided to facilitate a process to appoint an independent law firm to conduct a thorough investigation to establish what transpired. This independent investigation will run parallel to the police’s ongoing investigation," Chiloane said.
On Monday, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the learner was among Grade 6 Refalotse Primary School learners, who had travelled to a resort accompanied by teachers and some parents on Friday morning.
He said it was reported that on arrival, the learners were assembled for a formal ceremony and proceeded to have lunch afterwards. However, after lunch, teachers and parents were alerted to the incident.
"After lunch, the learners changed into their swimwear to play at the swimming pools under the supervision of educators and parents.
"It is alleged that educators and parents were alerted by learners of a fellow learner who was unresponsive in one of the swimming pools," Mabona said in a statement.
"The educators are reported to have immediately removed the learner from the swimming pool and tried to resuscitate him while waiting for emergency services and police to respond."
The learner was apparently declared dead by paramedics on their arrival.
Following the reports of children drowning in recent weeks, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it was deeply concerned about drownings, especially among children.
"The increasing number of reports is most distressing and needs to be addressed. In August, two children drowned at Seshego Dam outside Polokwane.
"In September, a father drowned in Thompson’s Bay, Ballito, while trying to save a child. In November, two girls, aged five and 9, drowned in a swimming pool at a Durban hotel and, in the same month, three children drowned in a Port St Johns River," the party said in a statement.
The Star