SADTU MOURNS THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LEARNERS AND TWO DRIVERS IN EASTERN CAPE FLOODS
11 June 2025
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and schoolmates of learners from Jumba Senior Secondary School and two drivers who tragically lost their lives when their scholar transport bus was swept away by floods in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, yesterday.
According to media reports, bodies of eight learners and the two drivers were recovered earlier today by the South African Police Service. The pain and anguish experienced by the affected families is beyond comprehension. The loss of such young lives is a tragedy not only for their families, but for the entire nation.
As a union in the education sector, SADTU stands in solidarity with the learners, teachers, and parents of Jumba Senior Secondary School as they come to terms with this heart-breaking incident. We call upon the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, to provide the necessary trauma counselling and psychosocial support to the affected school community.
We also urge parents, guardians, and schools to exercise extreme caution and not allow children to attend school during adverse weather conditions that pose a threat to their safety.
SADTU reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of all learners and educators across the country.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat