While no learners were injured in the incident, many were left without clothing, bedding and other necessities. School Principal, Daniel McPherson, announced today during a ceremony at the school in which donations from companies and OFM listeners were handed over to the school, that a section of the hostel that was partially damaged by the fire will also be demolished. This will force the project to take more than the six weeks that Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe, announced earlier.

McPherson says he is certain that the refurbishment of the hostel will be completed in due time for all the learners who are presently accommodated at a previously unoccupied building on the school premises to return to the hostel.

McPherson made it known that the school is in the process of appointing a Project Steering Committee (PSC) made up of school heads and parents on the School Governing Body (SGB). The PSC will appoint a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) who will assist the chosen main contractor in engaging with the community.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and arson has been ruled out.

OFM News/ Katleho Morapela, Olebogeng Motse and Sazly Hartzenberg