Storm-damaged classroom rebuilt

FIVE months after the supercell storm that swept through Empangeni in April destroyed a classroom at Thuthukani Special School, the facility is celebrating reconstruction and reopening of the building.

The classroom was officially reopened on Monday and is said to be ‘better than ever’.

ALSO READ: Further fuel increases on the cards

“Our governing body was proactive in ensuring we had good insurance,” said school principal Marthie Combrinck.

“This is a reminder that from rubble something beautiful can arise. This space is again conducive for teaching and learning,” she said.

Speaking at Monday’s grand opening of the rebuilt classroom, Mrs Nkwanyana, teacher of the class, recalled the moment one of her pupils realised the severity of the incident.

“The learner said to me, ‘Miss, there would have been a big funeral with 16 small coffins and two big ones’,” she said.

“I am thankful to God and to those who prayed for me.

“I would worry Marthie about when I was going to get a proper classroom, and we would pray for a sponsor but we never got one.

“God works in mysterious ways and now I have a proper classroom,” said Mrs Nkwanyana.

When the storm ripped through Empangeni, tearing down trees and blowing roofs off buildings, an uprooted tree demolished the classroom and everything that was inside it.

At the time, Combrinck expressed her gratitude that no one was hurt or killed.

Shortly after, the spirit of ubuntu was evident as the teachers, community members and Zululand Remedial Centre came forward offering donations.

Encouraging the pupils and teachers to use this rebuild as a metaphor for life, Combrinck reiterated that sometimes beauty can come from the rubble, so keep the faith.

HAVE YOUR SAY