Emalahleni (Witbank) – Teachers and learners at Siphendulelwe Primary School in Extension 2 of KwaGuqa Township in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, were left reeling in shock after a schoolgirl collapsed and died in class.
The Grade 7 schoolgirl, identified as 14-year-old Jean Moya, collapsed in the classroom during the first lesson on Thursday, 23 July 2026.
She was taken to a nearby clinic, where she was unfortunately declared dead on arrival.
Commenting on the tragedy on Friday, 24 July 2026, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Education, MEC Gerald Sambo, said: “The Mpumalanga Department of Education received with profound sadness the news of the untimely passing of a 14-year-old Grade 7 female learner.
“The preliminary report indicates that the learner collapsed in her classroom during the first period.”
Sambo added: “Despite the immediate actions taken by her teacher and the support staff who promptly provided assistance and called for medical help, the learner was certified dead upon arrival at Siphosensimbi Clinic.”
The department has already been in contact with the bereaved family of the deceased 14-year-old schoolgirl.
“The department shares the pain and sorrow that such a loss brings to the family, school, classmates, teachers and the entire school community,” Sambo said.
“The department once again takes this opportunity to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the entire school community.”
The cause of the schoolgirl’s death is being probed.
