Riverlea school fire destroys nine classrooms

Nine classrooms at Riverlea Secondary School in Gauteng have been destroyed in an overnight fire, affecting more than 300 learners. Education MEC Lebogang Maile has condemned the incident as criminal and “unjustifiable” following a walkabout at the school. While Grades 10 to 12 continue with lessons, Grades 8 and 9 learners have been moved to the school hall as temporary plans are put in place. Maile says there can be no excuse for targeting a school, warning that such acts must be strongly condemned. Phemelo speaks to Gauteng Education MEC spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana.