SOME Gauteng schools have been rocked by suicides and deaths lately.
About 340 pupils have died since the start of the year and 40 of those deaths are alleged suicides.
And the Gauteng Department of Education has outlined steps to address the high rate of learner suicides in the province, as well as to safeguard pupils' wellbeing.
MEC Matome Chiloane said: "As the department, we are devastated by these deaths and believe those numbers constitute far too many young lives that have been taken away from their families, friends and our schools, before reaching their full potential. We pledge our solidarity and support to the families and friends that were befallen by these tragic, premature deaths."
He said the most recent heart-wrenching incident occurred on Friday, 8 September 2023, when an 11-year-old grade 5 girl from Anzac Primary School in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni tragically took her own life after reportedly facing parental reprimand for the alleged theft of R300.
"Suicide is a bleak reality and one of the leading causes of death among young people."
The MEC said anxiety, depression, bullying, online abuse, violence and cyber bullying are contributing factors to suicides among pupils.
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"With the development and expansion of digital technologies, pupils are increasingly falling victims to online abuse and violence."
"These digital spaces become enabling environments for online predators to exploit the vulnerable and unsuspecting users, more especially children."
The MEC was speaking at a briefing held in Joburg on Sunday to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.
Here are the Gauteng Department Education's learner suicide prevention interventions:
- Deploying 500 Learner Support Agents (LSAs) to provide us with an early warning mechanism and give peer counselling to support 1 200 schools.
- Sending an additional 120 social workers to assist with risk assessment of learners.
- Deploying 500 Ke Moja coaches to assist with substance abuse awareness.
- And popularising the Childline toll-free number (116) to provide counselling services free of charge for learners and educators.
The MEC said the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has already received numerous requests for assistance from some schools and distressed pupils on their Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0800 567 567.
