The FEDSAS family is shocked and deeply touched by the tragedy that took place at the Hoërskool Driehoek in Vanderbijlpark this morning. According to confirmed reports, three learners died when a walkway at the school collapsed. Many other learners were injured, some seriously.
           
“As a parent this incredible loss has hit me hard. As an education colleague of the staff and governing body of the school we at FEDSAS will do everything in our power to support our member school,” says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS). The governing body of the school is a member of FEDSAS.

Although an investigation into the incident is already underway, it remains all role-players’ first priority to support the school community at an emotional level through trauma counselling. “FEDSAS’ resources and extensive knowledge of school governance are available to those leading the investigation as well as any other support that we can provide,” says Colditz.

FEDSAS is a close-knit family and every council member, staff member as well as other member schools of FEDSAS are holding the Driehoek school community in their thoughts. Colditz says it is positive to see how South Africans stand together in times of crisis. “Everybody helps where they can – from the Vanderbijlpark community to the Gauteng Education Department. It is in times like these that you realise that we are first and foremost colleagues and friends.”