Before the third term officially begins, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube expressed concerns about the trend of school vandalism in Limpopo.
Although valuable equipment was stolen by burglars, according to Gwarube, this would have a negative impact on teaching and learning, but the schools are prepared to resume classes.
The affected schools include Blinkwater Gidela Secondary School, Noblehoek Secondary School, Pembelani Primary School, and Haaka Primary School.
The premier, Poppy Ramathuba and MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya would visit the schools on Tuesday to ensure that teaching and learning are unaffected, according to Matome Taueatsoala, the department’s spokesperson in Limpopo.
“Gidela is the most impacted school as the administration block has been torched and some information might be lost, though there is an electronic back-up,” said Taueatsoala.
“But with office stationery, other schools are being arranged to assist in the meantime, and the staff will temporarily relocate to the media lab.
“Some of the burned assets are photocopy machines and printers.”
Stolen items amount to thousands of rands
He confirmed that some of the items lost due to arson and burglary at the school are 25 chairs, sporting kits for learners, two laminating machines, all administration and curriculum files, trophies, WiFi fibre, and a Ryobi generator.
Some of the lost items at the Noblehoek Secondary School, valued at R482 960, include two steel boxes, two laptops, six cellphones, 15 tablets, and petty cash.
Pembelani suffered losses worth R124 540, while Haaka lost school equipment valued at R126 500.
“We call upon members of the community to work with the police in order to bring the criminals to face the full might of the law,” said Gwarube.
“We cannot afford a situation where the future of our children is jeopardised.”
The minister said the new term only has 53 school days, and communities should unite and ensure that effective learning and teaching take place in all schools.
Being an important revision term, Gwarube said time management should be a priority for all learners to reach their full potential.
