Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga and MEC for Education in Gauteng, Mr Matome Chiloane, visited Eqinisweni Secondary School on 10 May 2024. The visit follows the unfortunate suicide of four learners from the school, one boy and three girls.

During a special assembly session, Minister Motshekga urged learners to speak up when faced with challenges and not to resort to extreme measures such as suicide. The Minister expressed heartfelt sadness at the details emerging regarding the circumstances which may have led to the suicide of the learners. She also expressed sincere condolences to the learners, teachers and the school community: “We are deeply pained by the loss of the four learners at the school within a short space of time. No manner what happens in your life, there will always be challenges; speak to someone you trust, but never resort to suicide. You have to be resilient; you matter and you are important to the nation”.

The Minster also thanked MEC Chiloane for committing to assist with funeral arrangements and for mobilising various community resources to provide much needed support to the school. “Let me thank the Office of the MEC for committing to assist the families of the learners and for mobilising the community. We need to deal with the real issues which are psycho-social challenges, unplanned and unintended pregnancies. Let us look at the root cause of the problem. Let us confront the root causes of depression, anxiety, peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse and cyber bullying within our schools. We need to intensify our programmes on Comprehensive Sexuality Education and have open discussions with our children about sex and the consequences of early sexual activity,” the Minister said.

All the learners are believed to have consumed a poisonous substance, which led to their untimely demise. It is reported that a Grade 10 learner was rushed to a local clinic on 26 April 2024, where she was sadly declared dead. A Grade 11 girl learner was found dead at home by her parents on 2 May 2024. On 3 May 2024, a Grade 11 boy learner was hospitalised and also sadly passed away while receiving medical attention. The fourth learner, who was in Grade 12, passed away whilst being transported to a nearby clinic on 5 May 2024. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) was also at the school to provide support.

Minister Motshekga expressed gratitude to social partners, SGB Members, SMT and community representatives for their contribution and support to the school.

For assistance with anxiety and depression, SADAG is available 24-hours on 0800 567 567.