By Nkhensani Mthombeni
- A fire destroyed Realedisha Secondary School’s classrooms and admin block, disrupting classes and the school feeding programme, with key documents lost.
- Community efforts saved some items, and a suspect was arrested with stolen property, while the school seeks help to rebuild.
Realedisha Secondary School in Ga-Kgapane, Limpopo, was devastated by a fire early on Friday morning.
The blaze completely destroyed classrooms and the administrative block, which housed the offices of the principal, deputy principal, and the school clerk. Important documents, including matric certificates and human resource files, were lost in the fire.
Community members were the first to notice the flames and called for help. Despite efforts by the School Governing Body, staff, and local residents, they could not save the administrative block or classrooms. Their quick action, however, managed to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas and allowed them to salvage items such as textbooks, stationery, and kitchen utensils from nearby classrooms.
Firefighters arrived about an hour later, but by then, only two classrooms were left intact. The damage has disrupted school operations, including the Grade 10 to Grade 12 classes, and caused the suspension of the National School Nutrition Programme, leaving learners without meals that day.
Police arrested a suspect after stolen school property was found in his home. The school is appealing to businesses and community members for help to rebuild and resume operations.
This fire adds to the challenges facing Limpopo schools, as 127 others have already been damaged by recent storms. Provincial MECs have been visiting affected areas, with some schools receiving mobile classrooms as temporary solutions.
Pictured above: Realedisha Secondary School in Ga-Kgapane, Limpopo burnt down on Friday morning.
Source: Nkhensani Mthombeni
