By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane says an independent law firm will be appointed to conduct an investigation into the drowning of two boys on Monday, 15 April.
The two boys drowned at a private camping site near the Hennops River in Centurion during a school excursion on Monday afternoon.
The boys, aged between 13 and 16 years, were attending a discipline camp held by a non-governmental organisation called Rising Stars Generation.
It is the second school drowning incident involving a Gauteng school this year.
In January, 12-year-old Latoya Temilton died when she drowned while on an excursion organised by her school, Laerskool Queenswood.
“We will institute an independent law firm to assist us in getting to the bottom of what happened,” Chiloane told the media during a visit to the school.
“The trip was not sanctioned by anyone in the higher office in the district because it was not communicated. What we know is that there were no educators as well. It was just the social worker alone.
“We would like to urge our schools that should you take or plan to take any trip where you know there will be water, make sure that precautions are made.Don’t assume that where you will be going, the situation will be okay. It has been demonstrated over time that these trips have repercussions, and we have to go and explain to the family what happened to their child whom they entrusted with us,” warned Chiloane.
Chiloane said it is irresponsible for schools to shirk responsibility by asking parents to sign a disclaimer that the school cannot be held responsible in the event of injury or death.
The school excursions are governed by provisions that require permission to be granted by the district office.