The Limpopo Department of Education has confirmed the tragic loss of two Grade 10 learners from the Vhembe East District who took their own lives after failing to progress to Grade 11.
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Limpopo police open inquest into death of two Grade 10 pupils
The incidents, involving male learners from Mphaphuli High and Thohoyandou Technical School, have left their families, schools, and communities in mourning.
From what we understand, the first case was reported in Ha-Mashau after a relative discovered the boy hanging in his room. The chilling scene played out 45km away in Thohoyandou on the same day.
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Limpopo police have opened inquest dockets to confirm the alleged suicides and obtain possible motivations behind the tragedy.
However, the general consensus thus far is that both suicide cases could be linked to their failure to pass Grade 10.
Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed her condolences to the affected families, stressing the profound sorrow that accompanies the loss of young lives.
“No words can adequately express the pain and grief that comes with losing a child,” said the MEC.
She urged families to find strength in the memories of their loved ones during this painful time.
The Department has dispatched its Psycho-Social team, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, to provide counselling and support to the bereaved families, as well as to learners and staff at the affected schools.
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the mental health challenges faced by young learners in South Africa’s education system.
The Department is urging parents, guardians, and communities to foster supportive environments for children, particularly during periods of academic stress.
Counselling services and helplines have been made available, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) helpline at 0800 567 567, which provides confidential support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
This tragedy has also raised questions about how South Africa’s education system addresses failure and provides support for learners who struggle academically.
The Department of Basic Education has implemented several measures to prevent school dropouts and ensure that learners have every opportunity to succeed.
Among these are:
- Promotion and Retention Policies: The national pass mark for most subjects is set at 40%, with a 30% threshold for others. The Department uses a progression policy to allow learners who fail multiple times to advance, ensuring they are not stuck in one grade indefinitely.
- Intervention Programs: Programs like the Second Chance Matric Support Program offer learners who fail Grade 12 additional resources, such as study materials, tutoring, and exam preparation classes, to improve their outcomes. Similar interventions exist for earlier grades in the form of remedial classes and after-school programs.
- Counselling and Guidance Services: Schools are increasingly encouraged to incorporate psycho-social support into their operations, recognising the critical link between mental health and academic success.
Efforts are ongoing to reform South Africa’s education system to reduce dropout rates and promote equity, particularly in underprivileged areas.
In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.
