'I can't issue death certificates, I need to issue reports cards' - Lesufi on pupils drowning
Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi says heads will roll should investigations show any negligence on the part of education officials in the deaths of two pupils last week.
On Sunday, Lesufi visited the family of the 13-year-old Keamogetswe Seboko, who drowned in a swimming pool at Laerskool Bekker on the first day of school.
In light of this visit, Lesufi said the Department remained open-minded with regards to the investigation into what led to Seboko's death but would investigate all leads.
"Where it is staff-related negligence, the Department will take action - heads will definitely roll," said Lesufi.
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He added: "If there are learners that are involved, additional hearings will be held."
Lesufi said: "We can't allow a situation where lives are lost and it's business as usual- it can't be."
The MEC added that he was concerned that he was spending more time going to families who lost their children than in classrooms.
Last week, the body of the missing Parktown Boys' High school pupil, Enoch Mpianzi was found after he drowned during the school's Grade 8 orientation camp in Brits, North West.
"I am spending more time comforting families rather than encouraging teachers to teach and learners to learn," said Lesufi on Sunday.
"I can't issue death certificates - I need to issue reports cards."
The Department said it is awaiting the outcomes of an autopsy to know more about what led to Seboko's death.