JOHANNESBURG - A fire has broken out at Riverlea High School in Gauteng, just six days before schools are set to reopen for the second term on 5 May.
The fire erupted on Sunday night destroying 11 classrooms including furniture inside.
Gauteng Education spokesman Steve Mabona says of the affected classrooms, four of them were actively being used by Grade 8 learners, while the remainder were unoccupied.
Additionally the entire boys’ toilet block was destroyed in the fire, affecting all male pupils at the school.
Gauteng Education spokesman Steve Mabona says of the affected classrooms, four of them were actively being used by Grade 8 learners, while the remainder were unoccupied.
Additionally the entire boys’ toilet block was destroyed in the fire, affecting all male pupils at the school.
According to Mabona at least 230 pupils have been affected by the aftermath of the fire.
However, the department is working furiously to ensure that teaching and learning continue with minimal disruption, as schooling resumes.
"A temporary plan has been put in place to use the school hall for affected learners while arrangements are being finalised for the delivery of four mobile classrooms, fully furnished, to replace the lost classrooms," Mabona said.
Circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are still unknown but, the MEC has condemned this act.
"An attack on a school is an attack on the future of our country, and acts of this nature must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” MEC Chiloane said.
The MEC has called on those who have information about this incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their investigations.