A devastating fire at Riverlea High School has destroyed 11 classrooms, affecting 230 learners and prompting urgent action from the Gauteng Department of Education. A devastating fire at Riverlea High School has destroyed 11 classrooms, affecting 230 learners and prompting urgent action from the Gauteng Department of Education.
Image: Picture: Supplied
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that Riverlea High School was rocked by a fire on Sunday, which destroyed 11 classrooms and left the school community reeling as authorities scramble to determine the cause.
Provincial education spokesperson Steve Mabona explained that the blaze broke out around 6pm in an unused classroom and quickly engulfed an entire block, ultimately destroying 11 classrooms.
The entire boys’ toilet block was also lost in the fire. The entire boys’ toilet block was also lost in the fire.
Image: Picture: Supplied
“These 11 classrooms have been completely burnt down along with their furniture. Of the affected classrooms, 4 of them were actively being used by Grade 8 learners, while the remainder were unoccupied. Furthermore, the entire boys’ toilet block was destroyed in the fire, which will affect all boys learners at the school.”
He added that the GDE is working swiftly to put measures in place to ensure that learning continues with minimal disruption when schooling resumes on May 5.
“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 4 mobile classrooms, fully furnished, to replace the lost classrooms,” he added.
Mabona further explained that while the rest of the school’s infrastructure remains intact and teaching for other grades will proceed without major challenges, about 230 learners have been directly affected by the fire. He assured that every effort is being made to swiftly restore normal operations and support those impacted.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the fire, stating, “An attack on a school is an attack on the future of our country.” He urged witnesses to assist law enforcement in the investigation. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the fire, stating, “An attack on a school is an attack on the future of our country.” He urged witnesses to assist law enforcement in the investigation.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane voiced his deep concern over the incident, strongly condemning the destructive act and emphasising that such behaviour has no place in society.
“We condemn this senseless act of destruction in the strongest possible terms. 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,” said Chiloane.
He further urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in their investigation. The department remains committed to supporting the Riverlea High School community and will provide additional updates as the situation progresses.
The Star
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