10 February 2006
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Education MEC Ina Cronjé and KZN Education
Superintendent-General Dr Cassius Lubisi have expressed their shock and concern
about seven children of Sinqumeni Primary School in Keate's Drift, Msinga, who
were swept away by a strong current of a side branch of the Uthukela River. The
body of a six-year-old has been found, while a search party is still looking
for the other six children.
Condolences have been sent to the family of the child, who passed away. "We
wish them all the strength and courage they need to overcome this tragedy. Our
thoughts are also with the families of the six children, who are still missing,
as well as the teachers and children of Sinqumeni Primary," said MEC
Cronjé, who will be visiting the school in the nearby future.
According to the circuit manager the area had a heavy downpour between
1 and 2pm yesterday, 9 February 2006, and the children were trying to cross the
stream, which is usually dry, about two kilometres from the school on their way
back home.
Enquiries:
Christi Naude
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (033) 355 2453
Cell: 083 262 8829
E-mail: christin@kznedu.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
10 February 2006
