BOJANALA: GRADE 11 BOY LEARNER DROWNS WHILE ATTENDING A LIFE SKILLS PEER SEMINAR

The North West Department of Education is devastated by the sad news of a 21 year old Grade 11 learner, from Michael Modisakeng Secondary School who drowned while attending a Life Skill Peer Education Seminar for boys at Sparkling Waters Hotel near Rustenburg on Saturday, 01 October 2022.

It is reported that the Peer Education Seminar was attended by 92 boys from Moretele and Madibeng sub-districts. In the morning the learners were engaging in different indoor activities and during lunch they were given time to play soccer.

It is alleged that the deceased disappeared without anyone’s notice and went on to jump inside the swimming pool.

Hotel guests who were close to the swimming pool reported to the authorities that a learner jumped inside the swimming pool. Immediately, the departmental officials rushed and took him out of the swimming pool. They tried to save his life by giving him a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) whilst waiting for the ambulance and his family.

Upon the arrival of the Emergency Service Unit the learner was declared dead at the scene.

The MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“On behalf of the department I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire school community of Michael Modisakeng Secondary school. This unfortunate incident came unexpectedly.
The Grade 10 and 11 boy learners attended an important Peer Education Seminar which discussed topical issues like Gender Base Violence, prevention of teenage pregnancy, bullying in school, etc.

“The department is trying its best to educate boy learners about all topics which affects the general society negatively. The aim is to empower boys to be responsible adults when they leave school.

“A similar summit was hosted on the previous week at Moses Kotane sub-district and the plan is to cover the entire province. Now seeing the seminar ending like this is truly devastating”, said MEC Matsemela.

Matsemela further highlighted that other learners will be provided with a group psycho-social support on Sunday morning before they could return back home.

The details of the memorial service and the funeral will be communicated once the family has concluded the arrangements.

 

For more information please contact:

Elias Malindi
NW Education spokesperson
072 892 8399

Author: tkhechane