MEC Grant Reacts to the Blackheath Tragedy

It is with a sense of profound sadness that I learnt of this morning's tragic accident that lead to the death of eight learners and injuries to another five.

On behalf of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), I would like to extend my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

The WCED will offer every form of assistance possible. This morning, social workers and psychologists will join a team of counsellors from other departments to provide debriefing and counselling.

WCED officials will work with the schools concerned to provide further debriefing and trauma counselling to learners and teachers.

Information at this stage is that learners from four schools are involved. The names of these schools will be released once next of kind have been notified.