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. 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.

According to South African Government News Agency, Chiloane said the department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit has arranged to be on-site at the Alberton marking centre today 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.

In an
other unfortunate incident, Chiloane once again expressed his sadness and shock at an unfortunate incident that took place at Northview High School 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 today to provide trauma counselling for learners and educators, who may be affected by this incident. ‘As the department, we are deeply shocked by this brazen act of violence and l
awlessness, which not only targeted a school leader but undermined the sanctity of our educational institution. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Acting Principal, his family, and the school community during this difficult time, and we wish him a speedy recovery,’ Chiloane said.