Emergency responders arrived promptly as flames engulfed the Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School in Rustenburg on Monday (04/11), containing the blaze, said Education spokesperson Mpatha Molokwane. All learners and teachers were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities must probe whether the fire could be linked to structural or electrical issues.

The incident has shaken the school community while matric exams have been disrupted.

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi described the incident as a substantial setback for the school. “This is a significant disruption for Grade 12 learners. The damage affects not only the immediate operations of the school but also impacts our broader challenge of addressing infrastructure backlogs.”

She promised the department would rebuild the damaged classrooms to restore a safe learning environment as soon as possible.

The fire highlights pressing infrastructure concerns plaguing North West schools. During her recent budget speech, Motsumi mentioned challenges like overcrowded classrooms and the long distances some students must walk to reach school.

Six classrooms destroyed by fire in North West school. Photo supplied.

The Department of Public Works has been managing ongoing projects.

These include two new schools, the Lerotloeng Primary School and Tlotlang Thuto, to ease overcrowding and reduce student travel distances. Initiated five years ago, both schools are yet to be completed, leaving communities waiting for much-needed educational facilities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh