Cape Town - Three Kulani Secondary School pupils in Langa are recovering in hospital while several others were treated after collapsing at school, supposedly as a result of a “spiritual calling”.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said further meetings would take place around the incident.
A district team has also arranged for counselling support.
“This morning (Thursday) learners at Kulani Secondary School, allegedly reacted to a spiritual calling.
“This led to several learners collapsing or reporting that they were feeling ill.
“The WCED and EMS were alerted.
“EMS Paramedics were dispatched and assessed several learners of which three have been transported to a medical facility for further assessment.
“The parents of all learners affected have been called and notified to collect their children.
“As a result of the events, other parents have come to the school to collect their children. The school didn't close.
“We have, as a result of other similar events occurring in the Western Cape previously, engaged with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport for a broader discussion on this and the management of it in our schools,” said Hammond.
Langa resident Nolizwi Williams has urged traditional leaders, parents, the education department, and pastors to intervene.
“While I was passing by the school I heard screams and I thought to myself it's just learners they are being naughty. Maybe they were fighting; but when I got to the shop I saw about two parents rushing to school and one of them was crying while she was running.
“It is then I knew that there is something wrong happening at the school.”
Cape Times