Grade 12 learners from Upper Corana Senior Secondary School in Libode were forced to relocate to nearby schools, after their school was demolished by a fire last week. Spokesperson for Education, Mali Mtima, confirmed that they were relocated so that they could finish writing their trial exams.
He said the classrooms were destroyed by a fire at this school, allegedly by learners who demanded new classrooms.
He confirmed that the department promised members of the School Governing Body (SGB) that the school will build it.
“Learners asked for a meeting with the school principal, with the aim of discussing this issue, but were promised to speak with them the following day. When teachers arrived in the morning, they found all the classrooms burnt down,” said Mtima.
He said the meetings were going to be held, in order to find the solution of assisting other learners.
Community activist from Misty Mount locality, Vukile Kota, said they tried several times to talk with the Department of Education, but nothing happened.
According to him the department was aware of their school condition, but they chose to ignore it. Instead they quickly built Attwell Madala Senior Secondary School in Mthatha, because it was also burnt by learners.
He said they even called the MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, to a meeting held at the Great Place in that locality, thinking that there will be a change in their request.
“We are not happy that learners burnt the school, but our government does not listen when people are asking for something politely. These classrooms were dangerous for both learners and teachers because they were very old. Even the floor was not in good condition,” said Kota.
He added that even the pass rate had dropped. Kota confirmed that they will try to speak with the nearby primary schools to accommodate their learners, while they are engaging with the department.
Police spokesperson warrant officer Majola Nkohli said that police confirm that they are investigating a case of arson and malicious damage to property, after a group of learners from Upper Corana Senior Secondary School allegedly set alight several school building blocks and further damaged school properties, last week.
“It is further alleged that the learners took their protest action to route R61 near Libode, blocked it with burning tyres, and also pelted passing vehicles with stones. Police soon managed to control the situation. In another incident, which is related to the same protest action on the same day, a traffic officer allegedly fired a shot and injured one of the protesters on R61 near Ngqeleni,” said Nkohli. He said a case of attempted murder was opened for further investigation. According to him, the circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the investigation.
“There is a possibility of additional charges, such as Criminal Matters Amendment Act at a later stage of the investigation. Arrests are imminent.”
