Limpopo schools hit by storms, but matric exams unaffected, confirms department
The Limpopo Department of Education has confirmed that there have been no disruptions to matric examinations at schools due to heavy storms that have hit the province.
Acting departmental spokesperson Mosabjane Kgaffe said the department is consolidating a report on the number of schools affected by storms over the past 48 hours.
“The Department is working around the clock to identify the affected schools and to implement measures to prevent disruptions amid writing of exams,” she said.
Kgaffe confirmed that the storm damage was reported in various schools in Mopani Capricorn, Vhembe and Sekhukhune.
The roof of Bonwa Udi Primary School in Musina was blown-away, and the new traffic and licensing building of the Musina local municipality also took damage, while many electric poles were uprooted.
“The department is conducting thorough assessments to determine the extent of damage and provide necessary support,” Kgaffe said.
On Tuesday, IOL News reported that heavy storms which hit parts of Mpumalanga on Sunday evening left a trail of destruction, with four people reported dead and more than 30 schools damaged around Bushbuckridge.
Spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, Elijah Mhlanga said more than 40 other people were injured following the extensive storms in Mpumalanga.
“The storm has damaged more than 30 schools in the area and four people were reported to have passed away, while more than 40 others have been treated at various hospitals in the area,” said Mhlanga.
He added that the inclement weather has also threatened the administration of the National Senior Certificate Examinations and disrupted schooling, as more than 10 high schools were severely damaged.
[BUSHBUCKRIDGE] Hail storm damaged 18 schools last night in the Bohlabela Education District affecting 8 high schools and 10 primary schools. The hardest hit is Godide High in Rolle, near Thulamahashe (in pictures). The District moved swiftly to make alternative plans for NSC… pic.twitter.com/J3Q91nHlLk
— Elijah Mhlanga (@ElijahMhlanga) October 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, has expressed sadness at the loss of life.
The rain continued to fall on Monday evening, resulting in more damage to houses in the villages. Power supply has been cut and some roads are still not accessible.
The Department of Basic Education said an assessment of the damage will be conducted, but that assessment could be hampered by the persistent rains.
Affected areas include Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale and Maboke circuits.
Meanwhile, District Director, Lorraine Goba has thanked officials from the district office who worked “tirelessly” throughout the day to support affected schools.
On Sunday, IOL reported that the South African Weather Service had issued weather warnings for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Western Cape for Sunday and Monday.
The SA Weather Service issued a yellow level 2 severe thunderstorms Warning for Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
IOL