A 10-year-old Grade 5 learner has died after a goalpost reportedly fell on him during break time at Reagile Primary School in Tembisa, in what Gauteng education authorities have described as a devastating tragedy.

The incident occurred on Monday at the school in the Winnie Mandela area. According to a media statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Education, the boy was playing with a group of fellow learners near the soccer posts during second break when the structure allegedly toppled over, causing severe injuries.

Emergency services were immediately called to the school and arrived within approximately 20 minutes. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the learner, but he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“The Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community,” said Chiloane.

Police have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The department has also indicated that it will conduct its own internal enquiry.

In the wake of the tragedy, the department dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to Reagile Primary School to provide counselling and emotional support to learners, teachers and the bereaved family.

This is not the first such tragedy in Gauteng. In August 2025, eight-year-old Larona Musa Mapheelle died after being injured while playing with friends on a school sports field in Alberton. That incident also raised serious concerns about safety measures and supervision on school grounds.

The latest incident has once again sparked an outpouring of grief and anger on social media platform X, where South Africans questioned safety standards at schools.

One user wrote: “This is tragic and sad news man, playgrounds where these sporting codes are not active the goal posts and other equipment must be removed.”

Another posted: “This is sad, one of my biggest fears is being told that my kid is no more… love and strength to the family.”

A third user called for accountability, saying: “The SGB must be held accountable as that falls squarely on their shoulders as maintenance of school grounds is part of their mandate.”

Meanwhile, Chiloane also expressed concern over a separate incident on Monday morning involving a private scholar transport vehicle in Tshwane.

The accident occurred on the road between Pretoria West and Hartbeespoort and involved a minibus transporting learners from several schools, including Danville Secondary School, Lotus Gardens Secondary School, Brindhaven Primary School, S.K. Moseneke Primary School, Hoërskool Pretoria Wes, and Bagale Primary School.

Approximately 15 learners were on board at the time. They were transported to various local hospitals for medical assessment and treatment. The department confirmed that no fatalities were reported.

“The Department is deeply concerned by this incident, which placed the lives of learners at risk. We are closely monitoring the condition of the affected learners and are working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to establish the full details surrounding the accident,” Chiloane said.

Authorities continue to investigate both incidents.