By Johannah Malogadihlare
Heavy rain has damaged 30 schools in the Bohlabela education district in Mpumalanga. The storms also claimed the lives of four people and injured 40 people.
While the Basic Education Department said on X that learners from Godide High School in Bushbuckridge had to write their matric exams in a church hall, the department’s Elijah Mhlanga denied that classrooms used for exams were damaged.
“Exams were not disrupted, classrooms [were] not damaged [and] were used for exams,” he told Inside Education.
He also said no Grade 12 learners were hurt in the storms.
More than 30 schools were reported to be damaged between Sunday and Monday, with 10 high schools severely damaged as a result of the rain and wind.
Basic Education Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule said Monday’s exams went on as planned despite the damage caused.
“The classrooms of the lower grades, which had not been affected, were used in some schools but most of all, we appreciate the kind of gesture of our churches who have offered their buildings to be used for exam purposes,” Mhaule said.
Meanwhile, the rainfall also damaged houses in the district’s villages.
Bohlabela also experienced power supply cuts and some of its roads were inaccessible.
“An assessment of the damage will be conducted, but it could be hampered by the persistent rain,” said Mhlanga.
“We will work with other government departments and local government to continue to monitor the situation and support affected families,” said Mhaule
The deputy minister urged communities to report any damage and pay attention to weather warnings.
INSIDE EDUCATION
