By: Natasha Archary

The Gauteng Education Department has confirmed that two learners have died by suicide in Ekurhuleni.
MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his sadness at the news of both learner’s untimely deaths, just days apart.
On Thursday, 29 June, a Grade 12 learner from Nigel High School consumed poison at home and succumbed.
Almost a week later, on 04 July, a Grade 8 learner from Geluksdal Secondary School also consumed poison at home, and after being rushed to a nearby medical facility, sadly died en-route.
Both female learners deaths occurred during the winter school holidays, and Chiloane says it is concerning that the learners resorted to taking their own lives.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families and school communities of these learners. Indeed, it is really concerning that learners will resort to taking their own lives.
We call upon learners to always seek assistance for necessary support to be provided. Our Psycho-Social Support Team will visit all affected schools to provide required support to the school community and families once Term 3 begins.”
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