Lessons resumed smoothly today at Lancea Vale Secondary School after two days of disruption due to a fire that gutted three classrooms within the school’s Grade 8 and Grade 9 blocks earlier this week.
The Gauteng Education Department provided mobile classrooms. The fire, which initially started in one room on the first floor of Block C, spread rapidly to other sections of the school on Tuesday, 20 August 2024.
MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his deep concern and condemned the incident which halted learning and teaching on Wednesday, 21 August 2021.
““It is indeed concerning that last week Wednesday there was a stabbing incident of a learner by another learner at the same school. We will not tolerate violence or gangsterism perpetuated in and around and our schools,” said Chiloane.
The police are also investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, is urging the government to install CCTV cameras in all high-risk areas around Eldorado Park.
“We urge the Department of Basic Education and relevant authorities to install CCTV cameras in schools around the area immediately. This measure is crucial to deter potential perpetrators and enhance security and surveillance,” says Makaneta.
He says school vandalism hinders progress in learning, while destroying vital infrastructure.
“At a time when we should be prioritising learning and academic excellence, such destructive behavior sets us back and deprives future generations of their right to quality education. Schools are sacred spaces for growth, development, and empowerment, and their destruction is a loss for our entire community,” added Makaneta
Makaneta has called on the government to ensure the safety of learners, educators as well as learning facilities. He says urgent action from the authorities in identifying schools in high-risk areas, will strengthen monitoring.
“The installation of CCTV cameras is a necessary step in protecting our schools and communities. We cannot afford to wait until another incident occurs,” he said.