The MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Weziwe Thusi has ordered an urgent investigation into the deaths of two children at an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) in Nquthu. The children, both aged 4, died after falling into a pit on the centre’s premises.
MEC Thusi said, “I want to start by expressing my sincere condolences to the families of the children and promise that as a Department we will not rest until we know what led to the children’s death. I have ordered an urgent investigation to determine a number of factors including the legality of the ECD centre and compliance with rules and regulations focusing on safety.”
We cannot speculate on this tragedy but I can promise tough action against anyone found guilty of any wrong doing.”
Social Workers visited the ECD centre yesterday for an initial assessment and have called in their Environmental Health counterparts to assist with the investigation. Social Workers also visited the children’s families.
The MEC added, “I am also interested in knowing if the staff at the centre is qualified to look after children because we all know that if you work with children you have to keep your eye on them at all times. This incident is a sad reminder to all caregivers especially those working with children of the delicate nature of their work and the need for them to be vigilant at all times.
MEC Thusi has called for calm in the community, “We know that this incident has traumatized the community but I want to call for restraint and for relevant authorities to be given the time and space they need to conduct the probe. In the meantime, our Social Workers will continue with the work they have already started and provide trauma counseling to the affected families and children at the ECD centre. At a later stage we will be looking at conducting community dialogues aimed at assisting the community to deal with this tragedy.”
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Ncumisa Fandesi
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