A 12-year-old boy who recently sought counseling has died in South Africa after concerns were raised about his mental health.
His seventh grader at Avante Elementary School in Randfontein allegedly committed suicide shortly after finishing his session of counseling at school.
His MEC at Gauteng Education, Matome Chiloane, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday 14 October 2022, said the boy took his own life last Thursday.
Chiloane, who visited the boy’s family on Friday afternoon, said concerns about the boy were raised before the September holidays, after which he began receiving counseling at school.
“The incident occurred after a counseling session with a student at school, based on concerns for his well-being, before the September holidays,” Chiloane said. “The department and the psychosocial unit with NGO Vuka Ukhanye and other community support systems support fellow students with individual reporting and counseling.
“I would like to express my condolences to the bereaved family and school officials.
“We are shocked by this incident and encourage any students who may be experiencing personal issues to contact their school’s support system,” he added.
