More than 20 schools across North West sustained storm damage between Friday and Saturday (5–6 September), provincial education officials confirmed, compounding an existing crisis after three schools were recently destroyed by fire.
Extent of the damage
Education spokesperson Elias Malindi said powerful winds had torn roofs from buildings and destroyed mobile classrooms in several districts. "The damage to schools is like adding salt to an open wound, as the department is already reeling from the pain of losing three schools to the fires," Malindi said.
The affected schools are spread across four education districts: Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Bojanala and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. The department said it is assessing structures and prioritising interventions for schools that are unsafe for learners and staff.
Where schools were hit
- Ngaka Modiri Molema: Thuto ke Matla Secondary School (Groot Marico); Setilo Secondary School (Mareetsane village); Refentse Primary School; Serite Early Learning Centre (Ga‑Khunwana village).
- Dr Kenneth Kaunda: Pudulogo Primary School (Ikageng township); Maitemogelo Secondary School (Wolmaransstad); Noordwal Primary School (Orkney); Tshedimosetso Secondary School (Jouberton township); Toevlug Primary School (Ventersdorp); Sentlhaga Primary School (Wolmaransstad); Laerskool Saamtrek (Klerksdorp); Promosa Primary and Promosa Secondary School (Potchefstroom); Boitshoko Secondary School (Ikageng); Gatelapele Secondary School; Tigane Primary School (Tigane township).
- Bojanala: SG Ntuane Primary School (Tlhatlhaganyane village); Rantlaka Primary School (Phalane village); Nonceba Primary School (Welverdiend, near Madikwe); Motshabaesi Primary School (Obakeng village, near Madikwe).
- Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati: Kokomeng Primary School (Kokomeng village, Taung); Walter Letsie Secondary School (Manthe, near Taung); Raditshipi Primary School; Thapama Secondary School; Choseng Secondary School; Reabetswe Secondary School.
| District | Schools listed |
|---|---|
| Ngaka Modiri Molema | 4 |
| Dr Kenneth Kaunda | 12 |
| Bojanala | 4 |
| Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati | 6 |
| Total | 26 |
Department response and pressure on resources
Malindi said the storms have "wreaked havoc on the remaining schools, adding further pressure to the already strained departmental infrastructure." The department is managing the emergency response while simultaneously attending to rebuilding efforts for the three schools lost to fire earlier.
Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono expressed deep concern about the twin crises of storm and fire damage and called for calm while the department coordinates assessments and repairs. The MEC has directed district officials to produce rapid damage reports to inform urgent interventions.
Impact on learners and practical considerations
Parents and caregivers can expect temporary disruptions as damaged schools are assessed and repair work is scheduled. Where classrooms are unsafe, the department is expected to relocate learners to alternative venues or arrange temporary timetables, though logistical details were not yet finalised for every affected school.
Practical safety points for parents and communities:
- Do not allow learners to enter damaged classrooms or mobile units until they have been declared safe by school authorities.
- Contact your school's governing body or the district office for information about alternative arrangements or catch‑up classes.
- Report any additional structural concerns to school management so they can be included in district assessments.
Wider implications
The storm damage comes at a time when provincial education infrastructure is already strained. Repairs, temporary accommodation and replacement of learning materials will increase demands on the department's budget and logistical capacity. The department must balance urgent safety needs with the longer‑term challenge of restoring full schooling for affected learners.
District officials will finalise damage assessments over the coming days and submit costed repair plans to the provincial department. Parents and community members are urged to stay informed through their schools and district offices as the situation develops.
Reporting from Rustenburg.
