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IOL News
28-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Gauteng Education Department warns of alarming rise in school fire incidents
The Gauteng Department of Education has raised the alarm over the increase in the number of fire incidents in Gauteng schools following a fire that broke out at the Riverlea Secondary School. Image: Supplied The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has raised an alarm over the number of fire incidents across its schools in the province. The department has recorded at least 29 fire incidents across Gauteng schools between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years. According to the department, of these, six schools have been repaired by the Department at a total cost of R9.3 million with an additional 10 schools having been repaired through insurance claims, School Governing Body (SGB) funding, or private donations. On Tuesday, departmental spokesperson, Stave Mabona indicated that 13 schools have not yet been repaired due to the extent of the damage. The department has also confirmed that the reconstruction of Riverlea Secondary School, where a devastating fire destroyed 11 classrooms last month, will cost approximately R2.5 million. Mabona indicated that the department has implemented fire safety measures at the school after a fire which started in an unused classroom, quickly spread to an entire classroom block, including four classrooms used by Grade 8 pupils, and the boys' toilet block was damaged. Mabona added that some of the cases have been referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, led by MEC Jacob Mamabolo. "These cases have been referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) for detailed assessment and project implementation. The exact cost for these repairs will be determined following completion of those assessments. The department acknowledges that many schools lack adequate fire safety infrastructure. "While some high-risk schools have been equipped with firefighting resources, including extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency signage, compliance across all schools remains a work in progress. Firefighting and emergency response training is provided to learners and educators through accredited programmes," Mabona stated.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Principal probe, school fires, and budget tug-of-war unpacked
The department also confirmed that the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof is facing a disciplinary process. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has continued to address matters surrounding school function transfers, disciplinary processes, and fire safety in schools. On Monday, the department addressed a series of concerns, including allegations of teacher posts being sold at Unity Secondary School, the fire incident at Riverlea High School, and funding challenges for Schools of Specialisation. Additionally, GDE on Tuesday formally transferred the responsibility of paying municipal accounts back to schools in Eldorado Park. Schools regain control of municipal payments This comes after the department temporarily assumed the function in April 2024 due to 'poor financial management' by some School Governing Bodies (SGBs). According to the department, the transfer was in line with the South African Schools Act. 'The six fee-paying schools in Eldorado Park were formally informed in 2023 that the responsibility […] would be returned to them. The nine no-fee schools received similar notification in 2025,' it said. The department clarified that, legally, the Head of Department (HOD) may withdraw or reinstate such functions without consultation. 'Section 21 of the Schools Act allows for schools to apply for additional functions; it does not require consultation before such functions are reinstated or withdrawn,' the statement read. Schools are now encouraged to improve their financial management systems and 'raise additional funds under Section 36 of the Act' to meet their obligations. ALSO READ: Education minister calls on all roleplayers to help stop kids bullying Principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof under investigation The department also confirmed that the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof is facing a disciplinary process following allegations of improper conduct. The principal was placed on precautionary transfer to the district office on 12 September 2024, with the measure lifted on 12 December 2024. 'Due to the sensitivity of the matter and the disciplinary hearing still being pending, full details of the allegations […] cannot be disclosed at this time,' the Department stated. The hearing is being managed by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC). The principal has since returned to the school, and no official complaints of victimisation have been reported. The GDE added that clear grievance procedures are in place and that it is 'monitoring this case closely'. ALSO READ: KZN Education welcomes arrest of alleged serial school rapist Fire safety remains a concern in Gauteng schools Between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years, 29 fire incidents were recorded across Gauteng schools. The GDE reported that six schools were repaired at a cost of R9.3 million, while ten others received support through insurance or donations. 13 schools are yet to be repaired, with their cases referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for assessment. The GDE noted that many schools 'have limited fire safety infrastructure,' though firefighting equipment has been provided to high-risk institutions. 'Firefighting and emergency response training is provided to learners and educators through accredited programmes,' the department said. However, inspections show that many schools still lack functional fire alarms and proper firefighting equipment. 'The department remains committed to expanding safety training and infrastructure… to ensure that all schools meet minimum Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards,' the statement concluded. NOW READ: Jobs for cash, missing millions and fire chaos: Gauteng education responds to school scandals
