Gauteng Education mourns deaths of learners and family in shack fire
Family of five, including young learners, perish in Gauteng shack fire.
Image: DEMS
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of two learners, a toddler, and their parents in a devastating house fire at the Steve Biko informal settlement in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday night.
According to the department, the victims included a 17-year-old Grade 11 girl learner from Dr Harry Gwala Secondary School, an 11-year-old Grade 6 boy learner from Thembelihle Primary School, their one-year-old sister, and their parents.
It is understood that the family of five was trapped inside their home when the fire broke out.
Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi said firefighters received an emergency call just before midnight.
"DEMS firefighters received a call close to around 12 pm on Sunday, for a well-alight shack at Steve Biko Informal Settlement, Etwatwa," he said. "The primary responding team found a five-roomed shack (three bedrooms, kitchen, and dining room) engulfed by flames with entrapment on their arrival."
On Monday morning, school principals and officials from both schools visited the family's home to offer condolences and gather further information from the survivor, relatives, and neighbours.
The department confirmed that its psychosocial support teams will visit both schools on, Tuesday, to provide counselling and emotional support to affected learners, educators, and the broader school communities.
"The GDE extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and encourages communities to unite in offering compassion and support during this period of mourning," the department said.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane described the tragedy as heartbreaking, saying the department stands ready to support those affected.
"We are devastated by this heartbreaking loss of young lives and their parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school communities during this painful time. We will continue to support them," said Chiloane.
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