By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GED) has confirmed that a fire broke out at the Riverlea High School on Sunday, destroying 11 classrooms.
The department said on Monday that according to preliminary reports, the fire started in an unused classroom and rapidly spread, destroying a block of 11 classrooms and all the boys’ toilets.
It said four of the classrooms were currently being used by Grade 8 learners and the remainder were unoccupied.
Schooling resumes next week on Monday.
“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, “the department said in a statement.
“Approximately 230 learners are directly impacted by the aftermath of this fire, and every effort is being made to normalise the situation swiftly.”
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he is “deeply saddened” and condemned the incident.
“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, “Chiloane said.
He further appealed to the public to come forward with any information.
“We appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident to assist law enforcement in their investigations. We remain committed to supporting the Riverlea High School community and will provide further updates as the situation develops,” Chiloane said.