Teaching and learning at Mzamomtsha Primary School, in Driftsands, took a knock following another day of mayhem.
Last week, on Monday 22 August, teaching was halted at the school after learners mysteriously fell to the ground causing anxiety and panic among their peers and staff.
This resulted in huge numbers of learners not attending school for the entire week.
A week later, on Monday 29 August, the drama unfolded again.
However, compared to the previous week where scores of learners were affected, only two learners were impacted.
The situation was quickly brought under control and the two learners were whisked away by the teachers.
This, despite a prayer organised by different religious groups at the school on Thursday 25 August to chase away the “spirits”.
Director of Communication in the Western Cape Education Department Bronagh Hammond said the incidents are reportedly in reaction to a spiritual or ancestral calling.
“Learners report to feel ill or faint, however, there is no medical diagnosis reported at this stage. At Mzamomtsha PS – no learners were transported to hospital,” she said.
“Some were treated by medical professionals at the scene, however, they were sent home. Approximately 20 learners were affected,” said Hammond.
Hammond, however, said the school was in operation the whole of last week.
“While there was low absenteeism following the event last Monday, this picked up throughout the week.
“The WCED is not aware of anything happening at the school today (Monday 29 August),” she said.
In all cases, the WCED has provided counselling support to the schools, she said.
Hammond said as a result of these and other similar events occurring in the Western Cape, they have engaged with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and the Traditional Healers Organisation of the Western Cape this week to discuss these events and the management of them in schools.
She said further discussions are to take place bringing in other religious organisations as well.