Deadly Daveyton school trip was not authorised

 

Gauteng Education MEC has revealed that school excursion that saw the drowning of two Daveyton boys was not authorised by the department.

Chiloane spoke at a briefing at the Benoni school earlier today.

He says the school did not inform the district or the department about the trip.

Two learners have been identified as Siphamandla Peterson (15) and Sibusiso Sibiya (17).

They tragically lost their lives during a discipline camp at the Hennops River in Centurion.

It is understood that the learners were taking part in an activity at the discipline camp, organised by NGO, Rising Stars Generation.

Reports say that after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, one of the learners suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance.

A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back. The one learner who ran off then jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to try and rescue him.

However, both learners unfortunately drowned as a result.

It’s unclear at this stage whether they both could swim.

Chiloane revealed that there were no teachers present and the 90 learners were supervised by a social worker.

 

Chiloane says the department has guidelines when it comes to trips and its concerning that some schools still don’t follow the correct process.

He says immediate action will be taken against those involved.

Since January, school stabbings, scholar transport accidents and learner drownings during school excursions have claimed at least six young lives.

The MEC says its worrying that learners’ lives are at risk when going on excursions.

He has appealed to teachers to do more in taking care of learners, saying they are the parents during school hours.

Educators have been given guidelines for excursions. It’s concerning that these seem to be ignored. I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t ensure there are lifeguards near bodies of water on these trips. I urge everyone involved in organising them to take necessary precautions… pic.twitter.com/2mmaMbQXa7

— Matome Chiloane (@matomekopano) April 17, 2024

I visited Daveyton Skills School to address the tragic incident during their discipline camp. We seek answers for the families and the school community. We have launched an investigation. If negligence is found, we’ll enforce legal recommendations. pic.twitter.com/wbDREPIuqB

— Matome Chiloane (@matomekopano) April 17, 2024

MEC @matomekopano expressed his disappointment at Gauteng schools being negligent and not safeguarding learners enough during excursion. This following the deaths of two Daveyton Skills School pupils who drowned during a camp at Centurion on Monday, 15 April 2024. pic.twitter.com/g9KaBBpFhp

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) April 17, 2024