The North West Department of Education says it is deeply concerned and disturbed by the increasing number of suicide incidents involving learners across the province.
The department was reacting to two separate incidents involving a Grade 10 learner from Thuto Ke Maatla Secondary School in Groot Marico and a Grade 12 learner from Golfview Secondary School in Mahikeng.
According to the department’s Director of Communications, Dr Elias Malindi, the tragic incidents have left the department, school communities and the families of the affected learners deeply saddened.
“The loss of young lives is a matter of serious concern, and the Department remains committed to strengthening support systems for learners and ensuring that schools provide safe and supportive environments where learners can seek assistance when experiencing emotional, social, or personal challenges.
“The Department calls on parents, guardians, educators, school governing bodies, and community stakeholders to work together in identifying learners who may be experiencing emotional distress and ensuring that they receive appropriate support and professional assistance,” said Malindi.
The incidents come just a week after the country observed World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, which aims to raise global awareness that suicide can be prevented.
The department has appealed to learners to seek help and not suffer in silence.
“Those experiencing emotional distress, feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm are urged to speak to a trusted adult, teacher, counsellor, healthcare professional or another person who can provide immediate support,” Malindi said.
Meanwhile, Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families following the tragic deaths of the two learners.
“On behalf of the entire Department, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time.
“The passing of these learners is a huge loss not only to their families and communities, but also to the entire Department of Education. Every learner’s life is precious, and the loss of even one learner is a serious matter for the Department,” said Mohono.
The MEC also condemned bullying incidents in schools, stressing that no learner has the right to bully, intimidate or victimise another learner or violate another learner’s right to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
“I am instructing the Superintendent-General of the Department to ensure that bullying is treated as an extreme offence within our schools. Suspension alone is not enough where serious cases of bullying are established.
“Appropriate and decisive action must be taken against those found to be implicated in acts of bullying,” warned Mohono.
Mohono further revealed that she would meet with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to discuss the matter in detail.
She said the engagement would focus on strengthening the collective response to bullying and ensuring the safety, security and well-being of learners in schools across the province.
The department has dispatched psychosocial support teams to both affected schools to provide counselling and emotional support to learners and educators during this difficult period.
