Tragic passing of a Grade 12 learner at a Winter Support Camp
The Department wishes to express its sadness due to the death of Benedict Phaswane Monene, a Grade 12 learner from Mphari Secondary school at Mogalakwena, Baltimore circuit, Waterberg District.
Benedict Phaswane Monene, was attending a two week Winter Support Camp as part of curbing the high failure rate in grade 12. The two week Winter Support Camp was arranged at Kgobuki Primary school for 298 learners from 8 secondary schools from Baltimore circuit. Learners arrived at the camp on 24 June 2018 and lessons commenced on 25 June 2018.
Winter Support Camps are the department’s intervention strategy to improve the quality of learner performance and grade 12 results in the province.
Learners at the camp were feed freshly cooked food by food handlers who cook for learners under the NSNP on daily basis. This made hygiene a normal thing as the food handlers are used to cleanliness.
On Sunday, 01 July 2018, while the learners were taking a break from lessons, others played sports and others did their laundry.
Benedict was playing football with his peers when he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to Mankuwe clinic; where he was sadly certified dead.
After receiving the sad news the host principal called other members of the management at the centre, where a decision was taken to discontinue the camp.
The very same group then went to the family to inform them of the news. Monene’s family indicated that they were aware that their son had health problems but never considered them serious.
The Department of Education is working closely with the Department of Social Development in counselling all the affected parties.
Benedict Phaswane Monene, will be laid to rest on 07 July 2018 and a memorial service held today on 5 July 2018 at Mphari Secondary school.
Enquiries:
Sam Makondo
Cell: 082 338 2684
