Classes at Daveyton Skills School in Benoni resumed under cautious conditions following a tragic incident where two pupils drowned during a school excursion.
Daveyton Skills School cautiously resumes a day after double drowning
The school environment at Daveyton Skills School was markedly subdued as students and faculty returned to their educational routines just a day after the loss of two young lives.
The pupils, aged 13 and 16, had been participants in a discipline camp organised by the non-governmental organisation Rising Stars Generation, which began on Friday, 12 April 2024, and was scheduled to conclude on the day of the tragedy.
Despite the sombre mood, teachers and school administrators made concerted efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy to help the student body cope with the recent events.
In response to the tragedy, the school’s administration confirmed that additional safety measures and briefings on emergency protocols would be incorporated into their programs.
Furthermore, the Gauteng Education Department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit was dispatched to provide trauma support and counselling to students and staff affected by the incident.
Gauteng Education Dept launches probe into deadly excursion
An official investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident has been initiated.
Preliminary reports suggest that after the day’s activities, one student unexpectedly ran towards the river near the campsite entrance, with the other following in an attempt to intervene. Tragically, both students drowned.
“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of our learners during a school excursion. On behalf of the Department, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to their respective families and the Daveyton Skills School community,” Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, statements from camp coordinators, fellow students, and chaperones are being compiled.
The findings of this investigation will be crucial in understanding the sequence of events and in implementing measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
