The Commission investigated the matters and issued a comprehensive investigative report which made a number of findings including that the human rights of the learners had been violated. The Commission also made a number of recommendations including that the Head of Department of Education in the North West must conduct a full audit of all special schools in the North West Province to identify existing controls, training needs and risks that the learners are exposed to. The Commission also recommended that infrastructure at the school be assessed in line with safety norms and standards.
The Investigative Report is accessible here.
The Commission is deeply concerned about the safety, security and right to life of learners at all schools, and in special schools in particular.
On Monday, 28 January 2019, the Commission visited the School to conduct an investigation into the matter.
The Commission will also make efforts to meet the parents of the deceased learner.
Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 0609883792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Media Statement: The Commission will probe the death of learner at Christiana School for the Blind in North West
29 January 2019
Attention: Editors
On the 25 January 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission was informed that a learner with disabilities had died at Christiana School for the Blind in North West.
This is not the first time the Commission learns of the death of learners in special schools in the North West. In 2010, the Commission learned of the death of four learners at the Christiana School for the Blind. In August 2015, three female learners aged 16, 17 and 18 died in the fire that broke out at the North West School for the Deaf.
Attention: Editors
On the 25 January 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission was informed that a learner with disabilities had died at Christiana School for the Blind in North West.
This is not the first time the Commission learns of the death of learners in special schools in the North West. In 2010, the Commission learned of the death of four learners at the Christiana School for the Blind. In August 2015, three female learners aged 16, 17 and 18 died in the fire that broke out at the North West School for the Deaf.
About us
Understanding PAIA
The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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