GP Edu Dept won't rule out water-related excursions for learners

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says there will be no end to water-related excursions, despite three learners drowning this year alone.

He brought this to light while visiting the family of one of two boys who lost their lives on Monday.

It is understood that a 17-year-old attempted to save a 14-year-old fellow learner after he dived into the Hennopsrivier during an unapproved camp in Centurion.

Chiloane says water excursions are fundamental in the curriculum of school-going children.

READ: Gauteng police investigating drowning of 2 teens during school excursion

Asked about his department’s plans to avoid more deaths as a result of drownings at school camps - Chiloane said they're devising a plan that will be outlined in two weeks' time.

“It’s a process that won’t take long, in the next week or two we would’ve really finalised the granular details of approving trips that have water involved.”

On Wednesday, while visiting the Daveyton Skills School that the boys attended - Chiloane says action against those found responsible is already being taken.