The spokesperson of the provincial Department of Education, Elias Malindi, says four classrooms at the Tsamma Secondary School in Jouberton near Klerksdorp were destroyed in a fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On 10 September 2022, at about 22:00, community members living close to the school saw flames on the premises and contacted the school principal and fire department at once.

Four classrooms, including desks and chairs, burned down. According to Malindi, stationery and teachers’ files kept in a storeroom were also damaged by the fire.

The MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela, says the fire has caused a major setback, especially with the department currently addressing a backlog of schools being renovated. “The department now has to rebuild a school which previously did not have any structural issues.

"It also affected teaching and learning at this school. We have decided to reroute four mobile classrooms which were supposed to be delivered at another school as a temporary solution. We have also arranged a nearby church to be utilised for the preliminary examination by grade 12 learners."

A case has been opened at the local police for further investigations and to establish the cause of the fire.

ALSO READ: Another North West school bus catches #fire

On 4 September 2022 a bus transporting learners from Tumisang Primary School in Letsopa near Ottosdal in the North West caught fire just outside Stilfontein. According to provincial police spokesperson Adele Myburgh, it is believed to have been due to a mechanical failure. No injuries were reported. The bus was transporting learners and teachers to Potchefstroom to participate in sports activities.

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