Strong Winds Damage More Than 20 North West Schools
More than 20 schools across the North West suffered damage after strong winds swept through the province between Friday and Saturday, 4–5 September.
The North West Department of Education said roofs were damaged and mobile classrooms were destroyed at schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Bojanala and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts.
Among the affected schools are Thuto ke Matla Secondary School in Groot Marico, Setilo Secondary School in Mareetsane, Pudulogo Primary School in Ikageng, Maitemogelo Secondary School in Wolmaransstad, Noordwal Primary School in Orkney and Tshedimosetso Secondary School in Jouberton.
Other affected schools include SG Ntuane Primary School in Tlhatlhaganyane, Nonceba Primary School near Madikwe, Kokomeng Primary School in Taung and Walter Letsie Secondary School in Manthe.
The department said the damage comes as it is already dealing with the aftermath of fires that recently affected three schools, putting further pressure on its infrastructure resources.
Education spokesperson Dr Elias Malindi described the latest damage as “adding salt to an open wound”.
MEC for Education Dr Desbo Mohono said the immediate priority was to assess the damage, ensure the safety of learners and educators, and minimise disruptions to teaching and learning.
The department said its infrastructure teams would be deployed to assess the affected schools and identify alternative measures to keep teaching and learning going.
It added that the number of affected schools could increase as principals submit further reports on the damage.
