The North West Department of Education has raised concern over two recent suicide incidents involving learners in the province, saying the deaths have highlighted the need for stronger support systems in schools.
The department confirmed that the incidents involved a Grade 10 learner from Thuto Ke Maatla Secondary School in Groot Marico and a Grade 12 learner from Golfview Secondary School in Mahikeng.
The deaths have left the affected families and school communities grieving, while the department has called for greater cooperation between schools, parents and communities to support learners facing emotional and personal challenges.
The MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, shared her condolences to the families and said the loss of young lives remained a serious concern for the education sector.
“Every learner’s life is precious, and the loss of even one learner is a serious matter for the Department,” said Mohono.
She also raised concerns about bullying in schools and said learners should be able to attend school without fear of being intimidated or victimised by their peers.
Mohono warned that bullying would not be tolerated and said stronger action should be taken in serious cases.
“I wish to condemn bullying in the strongest possible terms. No learner has the right to bully, intimidate or victimise another learner, or to violate another learner’s right to learn in a safe and supportive environment,” she said.
According to Mohono, she has instructed the Superintendent-General of the department to ensure that bullying is treated as an extreme offence in schools.
She said suspension should not be the only consequence in serious cases where bullying has been established, adding that appropriate action should be taken against learners found to be involved.
Mohono is also expected to meet with the South African Police Service to discuss ways of strengthening the response to bullying and improving the safety and security of learners.
The meeting, according to the department, would form part of broader efforts to ensure that schools remain safe environments where learners can access assistance when dealing with emotional, social or personal difficulties.
Parents, guardians, educators, school governing bodies and community members have been urged to be alert to signs that a learner may be experiencing emotional distress.
The department has encouraged learners who are struggling with feelings of hopelessness, emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm to speak to someone they trust, including a teacher, parent, counsellor or healthcare professional, stating that learners should not feel that they have to deal with such challenges on their own.
As part of the department’s response to the two incidents, psychosocial support teams will be sent to both affected schools.
The teams will provide counselling and emotional support to learners and educators and assist the school communities in dealing with the trauma following the deaths, while stating the support would also help identify learners who may require further assistance.
The department stated that they would continue working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen learner well-being, mental health awareness and suicide-prevention initiatives in schools across the province.
