Thapelo Molefe
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, said gangsterims will not be tolerated after a fire broke out in Lancea Vale Secondary School, Eldorado Park, alleged to be gang-related and involving a group of pupils.
Three classrooms were severely damaged when the fire broke out on Tuesday at the school and the incident has heightened concers about the safety and well-being of students and staff.
According to preliminary reports, the fire started in Room 81 on the first floor of Block C and spread rapidly, gutting three classrooms.
The structural integrity of the building is now under inspection, and firefighters are assessing the damage to determine if the affected block can be safely used for teaching and learning.
“We will not tolerate violence or gangsterism in and around our schools. We are closely monitoring the situation and are certain that learning and teaching will resume accordingly at the school,” Chiloane said.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the Gauteng Department of Education has urged anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent incidents affecting schools in the area.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi, said she is concerned and disturbed by incidents of violence in schools around Eldorado Park, including a shooting incident of two learners at Willow Crescent Secondary School and the stabbing of a pupil at Lancea Vale Secondary School.
“The safety and well-being of our learners and teachers is paramount. We call on the government to invest in tighter security measures in our schools and for all stakeholders in education to work together to make schools safe havens conducive for teaching and learning,” Cembi said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reiterated its call to review the school safety strategy to protect learners and educators saying it has consistently raised concerns about school safety and the recent incidents have highlighted the need for urgent action.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, said it was high time the Education MEC and the Premier’s office to stop talking and effectively address this challenge.
“This entails reviewing the school safety strategy to enhance security in and around schools, establishing clear safety plans with regular drills and emergency response procedures, and enhancing collaboration with local law enforcement,” Santos said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
