Strong winds damage more than 20 schools across North West

NATIONAL NEWS - More than 20 schools across the North West have been damaged by strong and destructive winds, with roofs damaged and mobile classrooms destroyed.

The damage occurred between 4 and 5 September, adding to an already difficult situation for the North West Department of Education, which is also responding to the recent loss of three schools in fires.

The department said it had been working to assist schools affected by the fires when the severe winds caused further damage, placing additional strain on its already stretched infrastructure resources.

Schools affected across four districts

Schools in four districts have been affected.

In the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the affected schools are Thuto ke Matla Secondary School in Groot Marico, Setilo Secondary School in Mareetsane village, Refentse Primary School and Serite Early Learning Centre in Ga-Khunwana village.

In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the affected schools are Pudulogo Primary School in Ikageng; Maitemogelo Secondary School in Wolmaranstad; Noordwal Primary School in Orkney; Tshedimosetso Secondary School in Jouberton; Toevlug Primary School in Ventersdorp; Sentlhaga Primary School in Wolmaranstad; Laerskool Saamtrek in Klerksdorp; Promosa Primary and Secondary School in Potchefstroom; Boitshoko Secondary School in Ikageng; Gatelapele Secondary School; and Tigane Primary School in Tigane.

In the Bojanala District, the affected schools include SG Ntuane Primary School in Tlhatlhaganyane village; Rantlaka Primary School in Phalane village; Nonceba Primary School in Welverdiend; and Motshabaesi Primary School in Obakeng village.

In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the affected schools are Kokomeng Primary School in Kokomeng village; Walter Letsie Secondary School in Manthe; Raditshipi Primary School; Thapama Secondary School; Choseng Secondary School; and Reabetswe Secondary School.

Schools in four districts have been affected.

Infrastructure teams to assess damage

North West MEC for Education Dr Desbo Mohono expressed concern over the extent of the damage and the potential impact on school communities.

“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the damage caused by these destructive winds,” Mohono said.

“Our immediate priority is to assess the extent of the damage, ensure the safety of learners and educators, and put measures in place to minimise disruptions to teaching and learning.”

The department is working with relevant stakeholders and disaster management teams to respond to the affected schools and implement urgent interventions.

“We understand the impact this situation has on our school communities, and we will continue doing everything within our means to support the affected schools,” Mohono said.

Following the weekend’s damage, the department will deploy infrastructure teams to assess the extent of the damage and determine alternative arrangements to ensure that teaching and learning can continue at affected schools. - SAnews.gov.za