A school governing body member who lives near the school noticed the fire in the early hours of Sunday morning (1/3) and immediately alerted the principal. The principal contacted the fire department and police, but when emergency services arrived, flames had already engulfed large parts of the administration block.

North West education MEC Viola Motsumi said significant damage had already occurred. Despite the swift response from the fire department, offices, equipment and important administrative records were extensively damaged.

Learners’ books

Areas destroyed by the fire include the staff room, food storage area, staff kitchen, ablution facilities, administration offices and sick bay. Photocopiers, refrigerators, cupboards and desks were gutted. Learners’ books and school files were also lost.

Motsumi expressed disappointment over the incident and called for a thorough investigation of what she believed to be arson. “This is a serious setback to the school community, and these acts are efforts which undermine education infrastructure in the province and cannot be tolerated.

“I want to assure the school management, learners, parents, and the broader community that the department will provide the necessary support to ensure that teaching and learning continue without any disruption.”

She called on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and urged community members to come forward with information that may assist in identifying those responsible.

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