Silas Nduvheni
LIMPOPO – An estimated cost amounting to R1,8 million is needed to fix the damages caused by the fire that gutted the staff room and part of the administration block of Zwithuzwavhudi Secondary School in Gondeni village outside Thohoyandou.
The school principal, Nndivhaleni Siaga, was informed about the fire at the school last Wednesday morning at about 05:30.
“We were worried text books, teachers and learners’ files, examination material for the school and science chemicals will be destroyed by the fire.
“We praise the communities around Gondeni who came in large numbers to help us to remove some items in the administration block before they could have been destroyed,” said Siaga.
Although it is not yet established what might have caused the fire, Siaga said it was probably intentional as they discovered a box of matches which was left behind the gutted staff-room.
The President of the Learners Representative Council (LRC), Khodani Mukhadi, and a Gr 12 learner, is very worried about the situation as the matrics are about to write the final exam. “We are totally disturbed about this situation because learners and educators are left without helpful school material.”
However it has happened and the matrics have decided to move on. “Although it was a painful experience we have now accepted the matter and are looking forward in preparation for the final examination which starts later this month,” explained Mukhadi.
Police spokesperson in the Thohoyandou cluster, Maj Mashudu Malelo, said an arson case was opened to be investigated.
The investigation continues and no arrest has yet been made.
