The Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC Mlungisi Mvoko has learnt with shock, the devastating news of the passing on of three learners, two from Bukazi village, in Flagstaff, and one from elubhacweni Village in Mt Frere, after drowning yesterday.
The two learners from the OR Tambo Coastal District are believed to have left their homes after school and went to a nearby dam for a swim, but drowned due to heavy water current, however later their bodies were recovered by police divers who were called onto the scene following the incident.
The two thirteen-year-old Grade six male learners are Yanga Solubambo, who was studying at Kwa Guqa Senior Primary School and Aseza Mngcilo, from Pandaphantsi Senior Primary School in Bukazi village, both in Flagstaff.
A 11 year-old girl, Asiphe Buso, from Mzamo Primary school in Alfred Nzo West district, was kept at home due the rains, but was later sent on an errand. Unfortunately on her way(to the errand), she was swept away and drowned from a makeshift bridge by a heavy current as she was crossing.
Although the incidents happened after school, upon hearing about this, the department activated its Social Support Services in the form of psychologists/counselors to ensure that the traumatized learners and educators from all three schools are counselled to be properly reintegrated back into the schooling community.
According to the Education MEC, the devastating news of a loss of a child is traumatic for any parent. He urged the families to work with the department in ensuring that safety measures are always strictly adhered to.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of a life of any child, and losing a child is every parent’s nightmare. I hope these families and parents will find solace in the Almighty during this period of grief in their lives”, said Mvoko.
“The department urges parents to take precautionary measures with their children during this period as the recent heavy rains have filled dams and rivers. We appeal to parents to ensure consistent supervision of children especially what they do after school. Despite this, our prayers are with these families and we hope and pray that God comforts them in this trying time of their lives”, urged Mvoko.
