The Gauteng Education Department has commissioned a private law firm to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic drowning of two pupils from Daveyton Skills School.
Gauteng Education recruits law firm to probe Daveyton Skills School tragedy
In the wake of the tragic incident at a school camp, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Kopano announced the hiring of a private law firm to investigate the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two pupils.
Expressing his disappointment, MEC Kopano criticised the recurring negligence in the oversight of learner safety during school excursions, especially involving water activities.
The Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabong, hinted at a possible commission of inquiry to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure accountability.
What happened at the school camp?
The atmosphere at Daveyton Skills School remains sombre a couple of days after the tragedy.
According to the Gauteng education department, the two students, aged 13 and 16, respectively, were attending a discipline camp organised by Rising Stars Generation, which began on Friday, 12 April and ended tragically on Monday.
It’s believed one of the students suddenly ran toward a nearby river at the campsite’s entrance, followed by the other trying to stop him. Both students unfortunately drowned.
Despite the tragedy, school officials and teachers strived to maintain normalcy to support the grieving student body.
In response, the school administration has pledged to implement additional safety measures and enhance emergency protocols.
Additionally, the Gauteng Education Department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit was deployed to offer trauma support and counselling to the affected students and staff, helping them cope with the distressing event.