Department of Education Extranet

FIRE AT SC KEARNS HIGH SCHOOL

The Northern Cape Department of Education can confirm that a fire erupted at the SC Kearns High School in Upington in the early hours of the morning. At this stage, the exact cause of the fire is not yet known, as the SAPS is busy with their investigation.

A section ( left wing) of the school building burnt down, which contains 16 classrooms. We thank the Fire Department and SAPS for their swift action to extinguish the fire and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the school.

The SC Kearns High School accomodates more than 1200 learners of which 175 learners are in Grade 12. The school will be closed until Monday, 8 May 2023 in order to cordon off the burnt section and safeguard the school premises. We have informed the District Office to place this school on a rotational timetable immediately, in order to accommodate all Grades, whilst we are considering various possible temporary solutions as a way forward. Grade 12 learners have to be provided for in a manner that allows them to attend full-time. 

The MEC, Mr. Zolile Monakali will lead a delegation from the Department tomorrow, when he will visit the school to assess the damaged caused. We have also activated our Inclusive Unit to provide pshyco-social support services to educators and learners from next week.

End.