The damage is estimated to be several million. 

The Boitsanape Technical High School in Mahikeng was gutted by fire on Saturday 17 June 2023. According to the Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, the cause of the fire is still unknown.

He said it was reported that around 16:00 in the afternoon, the principal was alerted by another teacher that the administration block was on fire. Upon his arrival at school, the fire department was already extinguishing the fire.

Office furniture was also destroyed in the fire. PHOTO: Supplied

Molokwane said the fire damaged two computers, five huge photocopying machines, textbooks, and office furniture.

Meanwhile, the MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, reacted with disappointment after the incident.

"On behalf of the department, l wish to express our extreme disappointment that this unfortunate incident happens immediately after the historic day of 16 June. This is a real drawback for the department, especially during this critical period of the mid-year examination.

"We really do not expect a horrible incident like this in our schools. Already we are working on the list of schools which need our attention during this financial year. This one was never in our plans at all. We are confident that the police will get to the bottom of what caused the fire," MEC Motsumi said.

The Grade 12 learners are expected to finish their mid-year examination on Wednesday 21 June 2023.

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