MHLONTLO – The Eastern Cape Department of Education has launched an investigation following the death of a learner who drowned in an unfinished pit toilet at the Khulangolwazi Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Mhlontlo.

The department identified the child as Ungentanto Yena who died last week.

Education MEC Fundile Gade said the department had activated psychosocial support services for the learner’s family and the ECD centre.

“Since our learner died in this facility, we commit to investigate the circumstances that led to the death,” said Gade.

The department said Khulangolwazi ECD Centre is a newly established programme operating under Bronze registration status as part of the ECD Mass Registration pathway.

Bronze status indicates that a facility has been identified and is receiving support to address outstanding registration requirements while progressing towards full registration.

According to the department, the centre is receiving support to meet registration, health, safety and infrastructure requirements.

While facilities on the registration pathway may receive operational funding, the department expressed that Bronze status does not constitute full registration.

Gade conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, the centre and the wider community and confirmed that a departmental team would visit the facility next week.

“As the sector, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family, the centre and its community. Next week we will dispatch a team to the facility to start the investigation. Our department will cooperate with any law enforcement agencies conducting investigations on the matter,” he said.

The department added that the circumstances surrounding the learner’s death remain the subject of investigation and cautioned against drawing conclusions before the completion of investigative and law-enforcement processes.

ALSO READ: Boy (3) drowns in pit toilet