Two Gauteng school communities have been left in shock after the sudden deaths of two young girls in separate incidents on Tuesday.
At Qalabotjha Secondary School in Vlakfontein, Johannesburg South, a Grade 8 pupil suddenly collapsed during the school day. Despite the swift response from staff and emergency services, she sadly passed away before any treatment could help. Her passing has deeply shaken her classmates, teachers, and family, including two siblings still enrolled at the same school.
In another heartbreaking incident in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, a Grade 9 pupil from Davey Secondary School is believed to have taken her own life. Investigations are underway, with reports suggesting she may have been dealing with bullying at school.
Education officials have expressed their sorrow, describing the events as devastating losses for the learners’ families and the school communities. Support has been extended to the grieving families and classmates, with counseling made available to help them cope with the trauma.
Authorities are encouraging learners who may be struggling to reach out for help through counseling services and mental health support platforms. They stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where children can speak openly about their challenges without fear.
These tragedies serve as a painful reminder of how fragile young lives are, and how urgently schools and communities must work together to protect, listen to, and support learners in every way possible.