Latest news with #RiverleaSecondarySchool
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.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- IOL News
Senior detectives, specialists deployed to probe arson at Riverlea High School in Gauteng
A devastating fire at Riverlea High School has destroyed 11 classrooms, affecting 230 learners and prompting urgent action from the Gauteng Department of Education. Police in Gauteng have opened a case of arson and investigations are underway after Riverlea Secondary School was burnt on Sunday. IOL reported on Monday that the Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that Riverlea High School was rocked by a fire on Sunday, which destroyed 11 classrooms and left the school community reeling as authorities scramble to determine the cause. On Tuesday, Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said a team of senior detectives, including forensic science laboratory members, has been established to investigate the matter. The law enforcement team is also tasked to trace the people responsible for the arson attack on the school. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'The police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation to call Captain Merinah Netshidzati on 071 675 6155,' said Masondo. 'Information can also be given anonymously via My SAPS App that can be downloaded from any smartphone.
