MEC saddened by deaths of Principal and Exam Marker

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed his profound sadness at the untimely passing of an IsiXhosa National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination paper marker following an incident at the Alberton marking centre on Tuesday, December 3.

According to reports, the 50-year-old marker allegedly tripped and hit her head against a pole while leaving the centre on Tuesday evening. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but regrettably succumbed to her injuries later that night, while receiving medical attention.

Chiloane said the department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit has arranged to be on-site at the Alberton marking centre to provide emotional support to the marker’s colleagues and other markers affected by this incident.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased marker. Her commitment to the education sector was invaluable, and her untimely passing is a profound loss to all of us,” Chiloane said.

Northview High Acting Principal shot on school premises

In another unfortunate incident, Chiloane once again expressed his sadness and shock at an unfortunate incident that took place at Northview High School also on Tuesday, where the Acting Principal was shot at six times in his office.

According to information at the department’s disposal, two unidentified armed men entered the school premises on Tuesday morning, under the guise of seeing the Acting Principal to give him a quotation for tree felling.

The men then reportedly entered the Acting Principal’s office and suddenly opened fire, hitting him six times before fleeing the scene. The Acting Principal was rushed to a medical facility, where he is currently in ICU.

The department said police investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident are currently underway.

The department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit will be dispatched to provide trauma counselling for learners and educators, who may be affected by this incident.