MEC CHILOANE DEVASTATED BY TWO FATAL LEARNER STABBINGS IN GAUTENG

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MEC CHILOANE DEVASTATED BY TWO FATAL LEARNER STABBINGS IN GAUTENG

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, is devastated following the news of two learners being fatally stabbed in separate incidents. It is alleged that a 17-year-old Grade 8 boy learner from Forest High School in Johannesburg was severely beaten and stabbed on Friday, 20 March 2026, at a park near the school after schooling hours, while a Grade 12 boy learner from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale was fatally stabbed on Monday, 23 March 2026, in an open veld while walking home after school.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Forest High School learner was allegedly severely beaten and stabbed last week Friday at Rotunda Park, located near the school, after schooling hours. The learner sustained severe injuries during the incident and was initially rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to another hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In a separate incident, the Department has been informed that a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School was stabbed to death in the veld between the school and a local store while walking home after school.

The circumstances surrounding these incidents are currently under investigation by police.

Psycho-social support services have been mobilised and will be provided to learners, educators, and the respective bereaved families to assist them during this difficult time.

“This is a deeply painful loss for our education community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both school communities affected by these tragedies. Violence against our learners, whether within or outside school premises, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. We call on communities to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and to stand united in protecting our children so that our schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” said MEC Chiloane.

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Funding delays stall critical R709 project in the Free State

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Funding delays stall critical R709 project in the Free State

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will intensify oversight and continue to engage the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport to ensure that the R 709 road rehabilitation project between Tweespruit and Excelsior resumes and is completed without further delay.

Recent oversight confirms that the project has come to a standstill due to depleted funding and the contractor's inability to proceed until the Department makes further payments. The Department and MEC, during a formal Committee meeting, indicated that they are awaiting the release of funds in the new financial year to resume the project. This road project has been delayed amid allegations of corruption made against the current Premier by a former contractor.

This emphasises the importance of appointing contractors who can efficiently and effectively complete infrastructure projects, such as roads. Unlike the previous contractor, the current contractor met the targets before the specified dates.  Unfortunately, they will now have to wait until the next financial year’s budget before work can resume, as only a portion was earmarked for the current financial year.

Infrastructure projects of this importance should not be derailed by avoidable financial mismanagement. Unfortunately, a significant amount of funds and time was wasted due to the first contract, which was awarded under questionable circumstances.

The delay carries serious consequences for residents, farmers and businesses who rely on the R709 as a vital economic artery. The deteriorating condition of the road increases vehicle damage, raises transport costs, and places lives at risk, severely impacting residents who depend on reliable infrastructure for their livelihoods.

The DA will submit formal parliamentary questions, demand a clear payment and construction schedule, and push for strict accountability to ensure that funds are released in the new financial year without delay and that the contractor returns to the site.

The people of the Free State deserve roads that support economic growth and safe mobility, not continued neglect.

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