DA urges Tswelopele Secondary be repaired following destructive fire
The fire caused significant damage to several storerooms containing both old and new school furniture, as well as the school’s toilet facilities.
The DA has called on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to urgently restore the disrupted learning and teaching environment at Tswelopele Secondary School in Thembisa following a devastating fire.
The fire, which broke out on the evening of September 9, caused significant damage to several storerooms containing both old and new school furniture, as well as the school’s toilet facilities.
This incident has severely disrupted the school’s daily operations and impacted learners, teachers, and parents.
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“The fire has not only disrupted the classroom environment but has had a profound impact on the school community,“ said Musa Ngobeni, a media and issues analyst for the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
“The DA urges the GDE to assess the extent of the damage, ensure the safety of everyone on the premises, and expedite the rebuilding and restoration of the damaged infrastructure.”
Ngobeni emphasised the importance of monitoring school infrastructure and strengthening safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response, the DA plans to table questions to the Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
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They seek clarity on the completion of the repairs and the replacement of the learning materials.
The DA also aims to determine whether temporary facilities, such as clean and usable toilets, have been provided for the learners.
“The DA remains committed to holding the Department of Infrastructure (DID) accountable for failing to maintain school infrastructure and construct new schools,” Ngobeni added.
The Thembisan has requested a formal statement from the Gauteng Department of Education regarding the situation. No comment was received, despite a request made on September 12.
The Thembisan will provide an update should the department release a statement.
