Under a platooning system, available classrooms will be shared by dividing learners into separate time shifts. The department confirmed 60 schools have so far sustained damage following strong and destructive winds that swept through parts of the province between 4 and 5 September.

The authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage, which includes damaged roofs and the destruction of mobile classrooms and other school infrastructure.

The latest assessment comes at a particularly difficult time for the department, which is already responding to the devastating impact of recent school fires.

The storm damage has placed additional pressure on the infrastructure programme and efforts to ensure that schools provide safe and conducive environments for teaching and learning, said North West education spokesperson Mercy Mokgatle.

They are, however, putting measures in place to ensure teaching and learning continues at all affected schools, while repair work is being expedited.

“The department will work towards ensuring that all affected schools are repaired by the commencement of the fourth term, subject to the extent and nature of the damage at each school. In cases where classrooms or mobile classrooms have been completely destroyed and cannot be used, affected learners will be accommodated at nearby schools to ensure that they continue attending classes while the necessary interventions are being implemented.”

Where schools remain operational but have limited classroom space as a result of the storm damage, the department will implement platooning arrangements to ensure that learners continue with their academic programmes.

“One group may attend classes during the morning session, for example from 07:45 to 12:00, while another group uses the same classrooms during an afternoon session, from approximately 13:00 to 16:15,” said Mokgatle.

The arrangements would be determined according to the specific circumstances of each affected school and would be closely monitored by school management, district officials, and the department.

Grade 12 learners will also be accommodated through these interventions to ensure their preparation for the National Senior Certificate examinations is not compromised.

Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono expressed concern over the extensive damage and reassured communities that the department remains committed to restoring affected schools and minimising disruption to learning.

“We are working towards ensuring that all affected schools are repaired by the beginning of the fourth term. Where classrooms have been completely destroyed, we will make arrangements for learners to be accommodated at nearby schools. Where space is limited, platooning will be implemented to ensure that learners continue with their academic programmes.

‘We understand the importance of this period in the academic calendar’

“I want to particularly assure our Grade 12 learners, educators and parents that we understand the importance of this period in the academic calendar. Their learning programme must continue, and we will put the necessary measures in place to support them as they prepare for their final examinations.”

Mokgatle said the department would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as further assessments are concluded and interventions are implemented.

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