Provincial Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, says the cause of the fire is unclear at this stage.

He adds the situation is a huge concern to the department, especially with learners writing exams. He says learners could lose all their school work due to the fire.

“The fire is a devastating blow, as the school serves a number of surrounding communities in the Kammiesberg Municipality and also accommodates Grade 12 learners. The Department will assess the damage, once the fire is brought under control and also determine an immediate emergency plan to assist the educators, learners and support staff of Garies High School,” adds Van der Merwe.

ALSO READ: Northern Cape school receives much needed mobile classrooms
 
MEC of Education in the Northern Cape, Zolile Monakali, meanwhile visited the Hantam High School in Calvinia on 29 August, to hand over 14 mobile classrooms to accommodate learners.

This after the school was closed as a result of infrastructure-related challenges. Certain classes were found to be unsafe. 

Monakali had previously highlighted the importance of the continuation of learning and teaching in an environment that would not put the lives of learners and teachers at risk. Despite the infrastructure challenges, he had pledged that his department will take steps to solicit the best expertise on the matter.

ALSO READ: Infrastructure leads to closure of Northern Cape school

Earlier this year, the provincial Department of Education in the Northern Cape says at least 39 schools were vandalised over the festive season.

Van der Merwe, says had condemned these incidents and appealed to all school communities to work with the SAPS to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and face the full might of the law.

OFM News