Provincial Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi, says the seminar was attended by 92 boys from the Moretele and Madibeng sub-districts. 

He says that on Saturday morning, learners were engaged in various indoor activities and were given time to play soccer during lunch.

According to Malindi, the 21-year-old Grade 11 learner from Michael Modisakeng Secondary School disappeared without anyone noticing and went to the swimming pool.

Hotel guests close to the swimming pool alerted authorities after a learner jumped into the pool. Officials from the Department of Education rushed to the scene and pulled him out. They tried to save his life by giving him cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for an ambulance and his family.

Malindi says that the learner was declared dead on the scene upon the arrival of the emergency services.

"On behalf of the department, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire school community of Michael Modisakeng Secondary School. This unfortunate incident came unexpectedly.

"Grade 10 and 11 boy learners attended an important peer education seminar which discussed topical issues like gender-based violence, prevention of teenage pregnancy and bullying in school," says Malindi.

“The department is trying its best to educate male learners about all topics which affect general society negatively. The aim is to empower boys to be responsible adults when they leave school. We are devastated by the way the seminar ended."

A similar summit was held at Moses Kotane sub-district the previous week.

Malindi adds that Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, highlighted that learners were provided with group psycho-social support before they returned home.

Malindi says the details of the memorial service and funeral will be communicated once the family has concluded arrangements.

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