Tragic Loss of Mpumalanga Learner to Snakebite Sparks Safety and Awareness Concerns

In an unfortunate event that has cast a somber shadow over the Mawewe Secondary School community, an 18-year-old matric learner's life was cut short due to a snakebite. The Mpumalanga Department of Education confirmed the deeply unfortunate incident, offering their condolences and support following the tragedy that unfolded on a Monday night.

Located in the village of Dumphries, within the boundaries of the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Mawewe Secondary School has been the site where pupils gathered for an educational camp aimed at bolstering their preparedness for the upcoming 2023 National Senior Certificate Examination. It was during this educational camp that the unnamed female student suffered the fatal snakebite.

The specifics regarding the species of the snake and the precise chain of events leading to the tragic incident have not been released to the public. The provincial Department of Education, represented by spokesperson Jasper Zwane, along with MEC for Education, Bonakele Majuba, expressed shock and extended heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family, the school staff, and fellow students.

Bonakele Majuba has scheduled a visit to the school and the mourning family to pay respects and offer support. In response to this tragedy, the department has set in motion counseling services for the student body, particularly those directly affected by the incident.

The death comes as a harsh reminder of the increased presence of snakes in South Africa during warmer and wetter conditions. To heighten awareness and bolster community safety, experts, including noted Durban-based snake catchers Nick Evans and Jason Arnold, have recently shared valuable information on how to react to a snake encounter. Their guidance is pivotal for both prevention of snake bites and first-response actions should a bite occur.

Arnold’s advice includes immediately ensuring pet safety, closely monitoring the snake's location for swift removal by professionals, and capturing images for identification while maintaining a safe distance. He underscored the crucial nature of rapid medical intervention, reinforcing that time is of the essence when dealing with snake venom. Evans, aligning with Arnold’s recommendations, warned against home remedies and emphasized the importance of swiftly accessing medical care. He suggested the download of the African Snakebite Institute app as a resource for identification and snakebite information.

Snakebite precautions and the need for prompt medical treatment are now underscored by this tragic event, urging schools and communities in snake-prone areas to adopt increased vigilance and readiness.