Question NW1236 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
31 May 2021 - NW1236
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether her department is conducting a thorough investigation into the death of 15-year-old Avethandwa Nokhangela from Xolani High School in the Eastern Cape who passed away in a drowning accident while participating in an activity organised by the nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Equal Education; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified NGO (a) disclosed a detailed report of the possible risks involved in their activity and (b) engaged the student body, teachers and parents; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) whether all the water hazards were researched and communicated to everyone involved prior to the organised activity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the Department of Basic Education, together with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, are working together with the South African Police Service to investigate the incident. A report is expected by the 31 May 2021. The Department will determine the next steps once the report has been studied in detail.
2. It is anticipated that the preliminary investigation which is currently underway will provide clarity in this regard.
3. It is also anticipated that the report from the preliminary investigation which is currently underway will provide clarity in this regard.