Department of Education speaks out on tragedy
SANDTON – The Department of Education discusses the tragic death of a protesting pupil.
On 30 September, a Grade 9 protester tragically lost his life during a Congress of South African Students (Cosas) demonstration in Sandton.
In the article, A tragic ending, Week ending 7 October, the details of this incident were reported on. The young boy was crushed between two of the buses that were used to transport the pupils to the demonstration. The cause of this accident is still being investigated by the police.
In light of this, the Department of Education revealed the implications that go hand-in-hand with pupil demonstrations.
The department’s acting spokesperson, Oupa Bodibe said, “The department is deeply saddened by the passing away of the learner during the march on Friday, last week. As the department, we did not receive any notification from Cosas about intentions to march to the JSE in Sandton. We have noted with concern that learners were mobilised for a march when they should have been in class preparing for exams.”
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He stressed that the department viewed the matter in a very serious light and added that the district would engage with the leadership of Cosas on 5 October regarding the issue.
“The deceased was doing Grade 9 at T.M Letlhake Secondary in Westonaria. Arrangements for his burial are underway. The school and the district are in touch with the bereaved family to see how best they can offer any assistance. The details of his death are still sketchy and the police are investigating.”
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Bodipe empathised with the parents of the deceased. “We wish the family of the learner peace and comfort during this difficult time and hope that they find solace in the knowledge that we too share their loss. No words are sufficient to express our sorrow at a loss of a child with a promising future.”
He concluded with a strong message for all pupils. “We urge all learners to invest their energy in their studies, as they are the future of this country, and require skills to enable them to contribute positively towards the economy.”
