Driehoek High School tragedy touches all South Africans says President

The President has welcomed the psychosocial support that government is extending to the families of the deceased learners as well as to injured learners and their families, and the staff and governing body of Driehoek High School.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has added his heartfelt condolences to those already offered by South Africans from all walks of life following the death of three learners and injuries to 23 learners at Driehoek High School in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, on Friday, 1 February 2019. 

The tragedy reportedly unfolded when part of the school infrastructure collapsed. “I offer my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the deceased learners and I equally extend my condolences to the staff and entire school community of Driehoek High School,” said President Ramaphosa. 

The President has also wished those injured a speedy recovery. 

“This is a tragedy that touches all South Africans,” said President Ramaphosa. “We have lost young people who were engaged in the most important endeavour of their young lives – their education.” 

The President has welcomed the psychosocial support that government is extending to the families of the deceased learners as well as to injured learners and their families, and the staff and governing body of Driehoek High School. 

“It is my hope that the people of our country and of the Vaal will at this time come together as one to support the Driehoek school community in this hour of mourning, while government, working with the school community, embarks on a process to establish the cause of this tragedy and to ensure that we can, at an appropriate time and under appropriate conditions resume learning and teaching,” said the President.

(With Inputs from South African Presidency Release)