On Friday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga visited Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park, following the tragic suicides of four pupils within a 10-day period. The incidents, which occurred in separate instances, involved the students consuming poisonous substances.
The first incident occurred on April 26, when a grade 10 girl consumed poison at her home. On May 2, a grade 11 girl was found deceased at her residence.
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The following day, a grade 11 boy passed away in the hospital, where he had been receiving treatment after ingesting poison. Lastly, a grade 12 pupil tragically lost her life on Sunday while being transported to a local clinic.
In response to these distressing events, the Gauteng Education Department has dispatched a psycho-social support unit to Eqinisweni Secondary School. The aim of this unit is to provide counselling and support to both students and staff members affected by the tragic incidents.
Minister Angie Motshekga has also called upon parents and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to collaborate with educators in addressing the escalating number of student deaths. This collaborative effort will ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to prevent further tragedies and support the well-being of all students.
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