Trip guidelines ignored – MEC

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Author: Jonisayi Maromo jonisayi.maromo@inl.co.za
• Publication title: Star, The (Johannesburg, South Africa)

The two Daveyton Skills School in Benoni learners, aged 13 and 16, were attending a discipline camp held by NGO Rising Stars Generation, at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school yesterday, expressing disappointment at yet another drowning of learners. “We have put in place a very clear process that guides trips and excursions, especially taking learners to water. If schools do not follow the guides, it puts us in a position where we have to come in. The sad part is that we come in because kids have drowned.

“We have been clear, and I think all schools, not only in Gauteng, but across the country can see what is happening with trips that are unsanctioned, trips where there is water … and not enough educators on site and the vigilance of the educators.

“We will continue to act against those who have not done their work until educators understand that it is people’s children that they are taking there (on excursions),” said Chiloane.

“No one at the higher office” knew about this school’s trip, Chiloane said. Even the district office was not aware that the learners from the school, which caters for children with special needs, were going on an excursion.

“We did not sanction (the trip). I didn’t even know that the kids were being taken on a trip, no one...