Department of Education Extranet

VISIT TO GARIES HIGH SCHOOL

The MEC for Education, Mr Zolile Monakali accompanied by the Mayor of Kammiesberg Municipality, Councillor Susarah Nero, the Head of Department, Ms Moira Marais and senior officials visited the Garies High School today, following the devastating fire on Saturday, 17 September 2022, which destroyed 80% of the school building.

This unfortunate incident is a massive setback for the Department, as well as for the staff, learners and the school community of Garies High School. Today, we conducted a site visit to assess the damage caused by the fire and to determine the way forward in terms of learning and teaching.

The school management team of Garies High School is busy compiling a report on the extent of the damage in order for the Department to provide immediate support. The Department will procure 11 mobile classrooms as an immediate intervention to ensure that learners can return to school by 11 October 2022. The 21 Grade 12 learners will be accommodated at the hostel, where they’ll continue with the trial examinations.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and SAPS is busy with their forensic investigation. The school building has been cordoned off and will remain under SAPS surveillance until their investigation is completed.

End.