Press Statement dated 1 February 2019
The Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) is shocked by a fatal structural collapse at Vanderbijlpark school this morning that claimed the lives three learners.
According to initial reports, a walkway that connects two buildings at Vanderbijlpark Hoërskool collapsed when learners were walking back to classes after attending an assembly. “The safety of children. particularly at schools is of paramount importance. The PSA has been very vocal regarding compliance with occupational health and safety regulations in the workplace and will await the outcomes of investigations regarding this tragic incident that claimed the lives of children, and seriously injured more learners. It is of even greater concern when a work and learning environment is the cause of fatalities,” said PSA acting Provincial Manager, Nkanyiso Sithole.
The PSA expressed appreciation for emergency staff employees’ and the Gauteng Department of Education’s swift reaction in response to the tragedy. “The PSA will further engage with the Department on this incident to ensure that the safety of learners and educators is ensured. The PSA would also like to express heartfelt condolences to the families of learners, their co-learners and Educators of the School,” said Mr Sithole.
Issued by Nkanyiso Sithole, Acting Provincial Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)