A devastating wall collapse at Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, has left one Grade 3 boy dead and six others injured. The incident occurred during breaktime on Thursday, 26 March 2026, and has sent shockwaves through the community. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane described the incident as “deeply tragic” and vowed that support would be provided to the family, school, and learners while investigations continue.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has weighed in on the incident, raising concerns over school safety. “Gauteng learners are dying because of the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) failure to address the crumbling infrastructure in our schools,” the party said. The DA has called for urgent and decisive intervention to prevent further tragedies and ensure that schools are safe and compliant with health and safety standards.
Investigations Underway
Investigations into the collapse are underway, and psycho-social support teams have been sent to the school to support learners, staff, and the grieving family. The incident is the latest in a series of tragedies involving young learners in Gauteng, and has raised concerns about the safety of schools in the province. According to the Department of Basic Education, school safety is a top priority, and the department is working to ensure that all schools are safe and secure.
Previous Incidents
In recent months, there have been several incidents of violence and tragedy in Gauteng schools. In one incident, a Grade R learner died after being locked in a classroom. The family of the learner has raised concerns about possible foul play, and an investigation is ongoing. The South African Schools Act requires schools to provide a safe and secure environment for learners, and the department is working to ensure that all schools are compliant with the act.
Some of the key concerns around school safety include:
- Infrastructure: Many schools in Gauteng are in a state of disrepair, with crumbling buildings and inadequate facilities.
- Security: Some schools lack adequate security measures, such as CCTV cameras and security guards.
- Bullying: Bullying is a major problem in many schools, and can have serious consequences for learners.
The incident at Lerutle Primary School is a tragic reminder of the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns in Gauteng schools. The department must work to ensure that all schools are safe and secure, and that learners are protected from harm.
