Arson behind fire at NC high school - dept

WHILE pupils in the Northern Cape returned to school on Tuesday for the first day of the fourth and final term of the academic year, learners at Garies High School in the Namakwa District will only commence schooling on Monday, October 17 following the arson attack that destroyed large sections of the school.

The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, along with departmental officials, the local mayor and councillor and the district police commissioner, paid a visit to the school to see the progress made since the devastating fire on September 17.

Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said the aim of the visit was to also give the community feedback on the cause of the fire.

“The police have confirmed that the exact cause of the fire was arson. The police have indicated that the fire was started in three sections of the school building. This is a great concern to the department as the school was destroyed by the very same community it serves,” said Van der Merwe.

“Our school community must take ownership of our schools and institutions of learning as they represent beacons of hope in our society. The active involvement of every school community is crucial to ensuring that school buildings are protected and guarded against any form of vandalism and theft. It is our plea that school communities take ownership of our schools and become actively involved in their children’s education.”

Van der Merwe urged community members who might have information on who the perpetrators are, to contact the authorities. “We appeal to the members of the community or anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist the police with their investigation.”

Van der Merwe said the department has in the meantime made provisions to ensure that all pupils return to the classroom next week.

“The department has delivered five mobile classrooms, while the outstanding six classrooms, the administration block and the ablution facilities will arrive at the end of the week. The delivery of school furniture, which includes desks as well as cupboards, is also in progress.

“Learning and teaching support material for learners have been sourced from Kimberley and Upington and will arrive on Wednesday, October 12. The department is also in the process of procuring ICT equipment for school administration purposes and the district office will provide support to the school as an interim measure.

“The department envisages that normal schooling will commence from Monday, where all grades will be accommodated. All systems are in place to ensure no learners are negatively affected by the tragedy and a curriculum recovery plan will be implemented as from next week,” Van der Merwe concluded.