Ramatsagalala Secondary School in Kgobokwane, in the Sekhukhune Education District of Limpopo, has been damaged by fire for the second time in three weeks. The latest fire broke out on Thursday, 26 February, destroying two classrooms and the administration block. Three weeks earlier, another fire damaged the principal’s office.
The repeated incidents have disrupted teaching and learning and raised concern among parents and staff. Mayor David Tladi of Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality said the destruction of school property was a serious setback for the community. He said important equipment and learning materials were destroyed in the latest blaze.
“Schools are centres of learning, safety and hope. Any destruction of educational infrastructure is unacceptable,” said Tladi.Emergency services responded and contained the fire. No injuries were reported.
The matter has been reported to the South African Police Service. Police have been asked to investigate the cause of the fire. Municipal officials are working with the Limpopo Department of Education and the school management team to assess the full extent of the damage. Plans are being put in place to ensure teaching continues with as little disruption as possible.
The municipality has called on anyone with information to assist the investigation and urged the community to remain calm while inquiries continue. The statement was issued by the communication unit of the municipality.
Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, the Limpopo MEC for Education, has strongly condemns the recent acts of arson at Ramatsagalala Secondary School.
“Schools are safe havens for learning, development and opportunity. The destruction of educational infrastructure is not only unlawful, but also undermines the collective efforts to improve the quality of education in our province,” said MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.
