Education
Question by Hon Lithakong.
With regard to the 35 learners of the Lukhanyo Primary School in Hermanus who collapsed at school on Tuesday, 22 October 2024:
(1) Whether a representative from his Department visited the school on the day of the incident or the following day; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) what is his Department’s standard operating procedures when incidents of this nature occur at schools?
7. My department has informed me of the following:
(1) There have unfortunately been many rumours and false claims made about this case, which did not involve 35 learners “collapsing”.
The school principal reported that a Grade 7 learner had allegedly experienced a spiritual calling in class. This caused other learners to react, complaining of feeling ill.
Their parents were immediately informed, and the learners were collected from the school as per normal procedures.
10 of the learners were taken to hospital by their parents. They were assessed and sent home. No learner was admitted for treatment.
The school reported the matter to the Western Cape Education Department in terms of the relevant procedures. The school social worker spent two days at the school supporting learners, and on the Friday, the full district Specialised Learner and Educator Support Services (SLES) team visited the school to engage with learners and staff, as well as parents who had questions.
(2) The Department follows the Management of Safety Protocol as outlined in Circular 5/2017.
The circular outlines the responsibilities of the various role-players regarding the reporting of incidents, coordination of the response, communication to other role-players and parents, and provision of follow-up support to the school.
The school followed the relevant procedures.
