By Phenyo Selinda
On Monday, 4 October 2024, a devastating fire broke out at Rauwane Secondary School in Tlhabane, Rustenburg Local Municipality, severely damaging a block of six Grade 12 classrooms. The North West Department of Education has expressed deep concern over this incident, which has disrupted the final examinations for matriculants.
Departmental spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, confirmed that firefighters responded swiftly to the blaze, ensuring the safe evacuation of all learners and staff. “No injuries have been reported as all learners and staff were able to evacuate the premises safely,” Molokwane stated.
MEC for Education in the North West province, Viola Motsumi, described the incident as a significant setback. “This tragic event, which has destroyed a vital section of our school infrastructure, is incredibly distressing, particularly as Grade 12 candidates are currently undertaking their final exams,” Motsumi said. She emphasized that the department is already facing a backlog in school construction and maintenance projects, which will be addressed in the 2024–2025 financial year. “We must prioritize the rebuilding of a safe and functional educational environment,” she added.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. This incident adds to a series of school fires in the North West province in recent years. In April 2024, seven classrooms at Tosca Primary School in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality were set alight by community members protesting over inadequate facilities.  Similarly, in June 2023, the administration block of Boitseanape Technical High School was burnt to ashes, causing damage estimated at several million rand. 
The recurring nature of these incidents has raised concerns about the safety and security of educational institutions in the province. The Department of Education has urged communities to safeguard school infrastructure and report any suspicious activities to prevent such tragedies.
In response to the Rauwane Secondary School fire, the department is exploring immediate measures to ensure that Grade 12 learners can continue their examinations with minimal disruption. This may include the provision of mobile classrooms and alternative venues for exams. The department is also coordinating with law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation into the cause of the fire.
The community has expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Parents and local leaders have called for increased security measures at schools to prevent future occurrences.
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