Umbilo school devastated by floods
The school is situated in a valley and stands alongside a river which overflowed onto the premises, damaging all infrastructure in its wake.
THE KwaZulu-Natal floods wreaked havoc on the Umbilo-based school, Brettenwood High School – leaving their infrastructure, equipment and facilities completely devastated.
The school is situated in a valley and stands alongside a nearby river. The river overflowed onto the premises, damaging all infrastructure in its wake. The fence surrounding the school has been washed down and the swimming pool and field have been filled with rain water and large amounts of mud.
According to a statement released by the school, the archives room was flooded and all records have been destroyed. The statement went on to explain that the water level reached a height of about 2m in the rooms of the building and on the ground floor, which includes classrooms, the school hall and school offices.
A parent of a Grade 12 learner at the school and member of the school governing body, Claydwin Kobeli has been assisting at the school since the extent of the destruction was discovered.
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“The school has lost computers, equipment, desks and most significantly the school has lost its history, all files digital and physical have been destroyed,” said Kobeli.
Kobeli notes however that the community support has been tremendous, “We have had learners coming from Umlazi and KwaMashu, going through damaged roads just to get here to lend a helping hand. I have never seen such an amazing partnership between a school and the children, along with their parents.”
He said they are humbled and grateful for all the assistance but with the level of damage that has been caused they can never have enough help, “We need all sorts of help from all corners of South Africa,” said Kobeli.
Kobeli said the Department of Education is aware of the dire condition that the school is in.
According to the head of communications at the Department of Education, Muzi Mahlambi, the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, along with other members of the department have recently visited the school to assess the damage.
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“The destruction at Brettenwood High School is very bad,” said Mahlambi.
He said that the department has a plan of action, “From April 19 until April 22 we are collecting information from school managers to determine how we will distribute the Disaster Fund provided by the government,” he said.
“R442m will be needed to fix the damage caused by the floods in KZN, which have affected 630 schools across the province,” said Mahlambi.
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