The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, accompanied by senior officials, visited fire-hit Garies High School to inspect the damage.
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Education has described the fire that broke out at Garies High School on Saturday, which destroyed 80% of the school buildings, as a massive setback.
The MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, accompanied by Kamiesberg Municipality councillor Susarah Nero and the head of department, Moira Marais, as well as senior officials, visited the school on Monday to inspect the damage.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said part of the visit to the school was to establish a way forward in terms of learning and teaching.
“The school management teams of Garies High School are busy compiling a report on the extent of the damage in order for the department to provide immediate support. The department will procure 11 mobile classrooms as an immediate intervention to ensure that learners can return to school by October 11, 2022. The 21 Grade 12 learners will be accommodated at the hostel, where they will continue their examinations,” said Van der Merwe.
He added that the cause of the fire has not yet been established.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known as the South African Police Service (SAPS) is busy with their forensic investigation. The school building has been cordoned off and will remain under police surveillance until their investigation is completed.”
The department has reported that 11 classrooms, the ablution blocks and the administration block of the school, which accommodates 216 learners and 11 educators, were destroyed in the blaze.
