Latest news with #R9.3
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- The Citizen
Officials suspended over stalled repairs at Noordgesig Secondary
Officials accused of failing to complete post-fire upgrades as department launches investigation. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has suspended two Infrastructure Unit inspectors over alleged failures to complete urgent repair work at Noordgesig Secondary School in Soweto. The department took swift action on Wednesday, suspending the officials tasked with overseeing reconstruction efforts after a fire severely damaged the school on June 27, 2024. Repairs not completed 'The department had allocated funds for urgent repairs and reconstruction work,' the GDE said in a statement. 'However, it is suspected that repairs might have not been completed, and some of the committed upgrades are suspected to have been partially done or not carried out at all.' According to the department, the suspended inspectors were responsible for monitoring and managing the project. Their suspension follows concerns raised about the state of the school infrastructure nearly a year after the fire. ALSO READ: School closes Friday for three-week break: Educational activities to keep kids busy Internal probe launched The GDE confirmed it has launched an internal investigation to uncover the full facts surrounding the failed repairs. 'We will announce the outcome of said investigation once it has been completed,' the department stated. Last year, the fire disrupted learning and raised urgent safety concerns among the school community. In response, the department committed to a series of upgrades to restore functionality and ensure a safe learning environment. The GDE said it remains committed to ensuring accountability and restoring the school infrastructure. 'Subsequently, we will announce the outcome of said investigation once it has been completed,' it concluded. ALSO READ: Here's how many Gauteng schools damaged by fire have been repaired Fire-damaged schools still need repairs Furthermore, Education MEC Matome Chiloane, in a written response posed in the legislature, confirmed that 29 schools had been damaged by fire since the 2021-22 financial year. Of these 29 schools, six have been repaired by the GDE at a cost of R9.3 million, roughly one per year at an average cost of R15 million per project. However, an additional 10 schools were fixed using funds made available by insurance companies, School Governing Body donations or private sponsors. 13 schools still need repairs and have been handed over to another government department. 'It must be noted that damages were of such a nature that it required extensive work to be done in the affected schools,' stated Chiloane's response. 'In this regard, the work was referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for implementation,' it explained. NOW READ: Schools or war zones? Ministers unveil 'Safe Schools Protocol' to end violence
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Here's how many Gauteng schools damaged by fire have been repaired
The GDE stated almost 30 schools had been damaged by fire in the last five years but only 16 had been repaired. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has elaborated on the progress of repairing fire-damaged schools. Several schools have gone up in flames in recent years, most notably the 11 classrooms gutted at Riverlea High School in April. In a written response to questions posed in the provincial legislature, Education MEC Matome Chiloane signed off on details relating to repair efforts and precautions taken by schools. Only half of schools repaired The GDE confirmed recently that 29 schools had been damaged by fire since the 2021-22 financial year. Six of these 29 schools have been repaired by the GDE at a cost R9.3 million — roughly one per year at an average cost of R15 million per project. However, an additional 10 schools were fixed using funds made available by insurance companies, School Governing Body donations or private sponsors. Repairs at 13 schools are still outstanding, and the projects have since been handed over to another government department. 'It must be noted that damages were of such a nature that it required extensive work to be done in the affected schools,' stated Chiloane's response. 'In this regard, the work was referred to Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for implementation,' it explained. Assessments and reports on the outstanding repairs are still pending, so the values of the remaining projects have not been determined. Lack of firefighting resources Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio dos Santos stressed that schools were not properly equipped to deal with fires. 'We demand a comprehensive review of the current safety measures to identify weaknesses and develop solutions to protect our schools and ensure the safety of our learners,' he stated. The majority of the fires have occurred after hours, and in the case of the Riverlea fire, police are investigating a suspected case of arson. 'The intentional sabotage of our schools by setting fires is unacceptable and must be condemned,' stated Dos Santos. The GDE explained that schools were left vulnerable to fire as only basic reaction tools existed due to a lack of resources. 'Due to financial constraints, the schools have limited fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms,' stated the GDE. School safety measures These gaps are filled with training and awareness programmes, as well as the work of school safety committees. The GDE stated that the existing safety protocols were 'limited' but focused on basic firefighting and first aid training for pupils and teachers. Additionally, safety committee members are mandated to promote fire safety in schools, identify potential hazards, and contribute to the school management team. The GDE states that training is continuous and equips teachers to contain emergency situations while waiting for professional responders. 'Communique are sent to the schools to promote compliance for the safety equipment and schools are directed to ensure annual maintenance for the equipment to always be functional,' the department explained. NOW READ: Bela Act guidelines issued, minister accused of 'worthless' delays
IOL News
28-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Gauteng Education Department warns of alarming rise in school fire incidents
The Gauteng Department of Education has raised the alarm over the increase in the number of fire incidents in Gauteng schools following a fire that broke out at the Riverlea Secondary School. Image: Supplied The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has raised an alarm over the number of fire incidents across its schools in the province. The department has recorded at least 29 fire incidents across Gauteng schools between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years. According to the department, of these, six schools have been repaired by the Department at a total cost of R9.3 million with an additional 10 schools having been repaired through insurance claims, School Governing Body (SGB) funding, or private donations. On Tuesday, departmental spokesperson, Stave Mabona indicated that 13 schools have not yet been repaired due to the extent of the damage. The department has also confirmed that the reconstruction of Riverlea Secondary School, where a devastating fire destroyed 11 classrooms last month, will cost approximately R2.5 million. Mabona indicated that the department has implemented fire safety measures at the school after a fire which started in an unused classroom, quickly spread to an entire classroom block, including four classrooms used by Grade 8 pupils, and the boys' toilet block was damaged. Mabona added that some of the cases have been referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, led by MEC Jacob Mamabolo. "These cases have been referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) for detailed assessment and project implementation. The exact cost for these repairs will be determined following completion of those assessments. The department acknowledges that many schools lack adequate fire safety infrastructure. "While some high-risk schools have been equipped with firefighting resources, including extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency signage, compliance across all schools remains a work in progress. Firefighting and emergency response training is provided to learners and educators through accredited programmes," Mabona stated.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Principal probe, school fires, and budget tug-of-war unpacked
The department also confirmed that the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof is facing a disciplinary process. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has continued to address matters surrounding school function transfers, disciplinary processes, and fire safety in schools. On Monday, the department addressed a series of concerns, including allegations of teacher posts being sold at Unity Secondary School, the fire incident at Riverlea High School, and funding challenges for Schools of Specialisation. Additionally, GDE on Tuesday formally transferred the responsibility of paying municipal accounts back to schools in Eldorado Park. Schools regain control of municipal payments This comes after the department temporarily assumed the function in April 2024 due to 'poor financial management' by some School Governing Bodies (SGBs). According to the department, the transfer was in line with the South African Schools Act. 'The six fee-paying schools in Eldorado Park were formally informed in 2023 that the responsibility […] would be returned to them. The nine no-fee schools received similar notification in 2025,' it said. The department clarified that, legally, the Head of Department (HOD) may withdraw or reinstate such functions without consultation. 'Section 21 of the Schools Act allows for schools to apply for additional functions; it does not require consultation before such functions are reinstated or withdrawn,' the statement read. Schools are now encouraged to improve their financial management systems and 'raise additional funds under Section 36 of the Act' to meet their obligations. ALSO READ: Education minister calls on all roleplayers to help stop kids bullying Principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof under investigation The department also confirmed that the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof is facing a disciplinary process following allegations of improper conduct. The principal was placed on precautionary transfer to the district office on 12 September 2024, with the measure lifted on 12 December 2024. 'Due to the sensitivity of the matter and the disciplinary hearing still being pending, full details of the allegations […] cannot be disclosed at this time,' the Department stated. The hearing is being managed by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC). The principal has since returned to the school, and no official complaints of victimisation have been reported. The GDE added that clear grievance procedures are in place and that it is 'monitoring this case closely'. ALSO READ: KZN Education welcomes arrest of alleged serial school rapist Fire safety remains a concern in Gauteng schools Between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years, 29 fire incidents were recorded across Gauteng schools. The GDE reported that six schools were repaired at a cost of R9.3 million, while ten others received support through insurance or donations. 13 schools are yet to be repaired, with their cases referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for assessment. The GDE noted that many schools 'have limited fire safety infrastructure,' though firefighting equipment has been provided to high-risk institutions. 'Firefighting and emergency response training is provided to learners and educators through accredited programmes,' the department said. However, inspections show that many schools still lack functional fire alarms and proper firefighting equipment. 'The department remains committed to expanding safety training and infrastructure… to ensure that all schools meet minimum Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards,' the statement concluded. NOW READ: Jobs for cash, missing millions and fire chaos: Gauteng education responds to school scandals
