Tragedy and shock once again befalls the Gauteng Education Department after four learners die allegedly by suicide, all from one school between 26 April 2024 and 5 May 2024.
According to the Department, the four learners, who were between Grades 10 and 12, from Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park had all allegedly consumed poison. The first learner to pass away was a Grade 10 female learner who allegedly drank poison at home on the 26 April 2024 and was declared dead at a local clinic. The second was a Grade 11 female learner who was allegedly found dead at her home by her parents on 2 May 2024. A day later, a Grade 11 male learner was hospitalized due to consumption of poison and later declared dead. On Sunday, 5 May 2024 a Grade 12 female learner allegedly also consumed poison, and later passed away.
The province’s Education and Youth Development MEC, Matome Chiloane, expressed great shock and sadness at the tragic events, describing the deaths as devastating.
“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. As such, the department commits to continuing with this partnership and conduct learner mental health roadshows to affected schools,” said Chiolane.
The Gauteng Department of Education has urged learners who are facing challenges that they cannot talk about with their parents, friends or teachers to reach out to available support structures such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.