Overview
- The storms that swept the province over the weekend between Friday, 4 September and Saturday, 5 September have damaged roofs and destroyed mobile classrooms at more than 20 schools across four districts.
- The North West Department of Education says 12 schools in Dr Kenneth Kaunda, six in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, and four each in Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala have reported wind damage so far.
- Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono has dispatched infrastructure teams and is working with provincial disaster management to assess sites, prioritise safety and put temporary measures in place to limit disruption to teaching.
- At least one school using temporary structures, Refentse Secondary in Delareyville, was reported severely damaged with roofs blown into the air and frightened learners and parents staying away from classes.
- Officials warn the number of affected schools may rise as principals submit more reports, and recovery timelines are uncertain because crews are already repairing three schools recently destroyed by fires.