Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
30 April 2025 | 13:20 CAT

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started in one of the unused classrooms. Picture: Thandoluhle Ngcobo/Eyewitness News

The Gauteng school community was left reeling after a fire broke out at Riverlea High School in Johannesburg on Sunday, gutting 11 classrooms and a boys’ toilet block. Police have since opened a case of arson, and the investigation is ongoing.

Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, confirmed that no learners were present at the time of the incident due to the school recess, raising suspicions of deliberate ignition. “It can’t be accidental because it’s recess and there was no one at the school,” Mabona explained in an interview with Radio Islam International, adding that some community members may have witnessed suspicious activity and are cooperating with police.

The extent of the damage is significant. “The classes are cut. You can’t use them,” Mabona stated. Four of the destroyed classrooms were allocated to Grade 8 learners. Temporary mobile units have already been deployed, and the department has repurposed the school hall to accommodate displaced learners.

“This is going to have a huge impact on boy learners at the school,” said Mabona, noting the destruction of the only male toilet block. To address the issue, the department is planning to provide mobile toilet units and is considering the use of hall facilities in the interim.

Despite the disruption, officials are determined to ensure continuity in teaching. “We will make sure that curriculum delivery is conducted and surely they should be in a position to continue with the course of teaching,” Mabona assured.

In total, 230 Grade 8 learners have been directly affected by the loss of classrooms, while all male students are impacted by the damaged sanitation facilities.

Mabona remains hopeful that the police will uncover the perpetrators with help from the community. “We are truly comforted that probably police do have some information that can assist them.”

As the school scrambles to recover, the community and education authorities remain united in their call for justice and an urgent return to normalcy for Riverlea High.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Annsia Essack and Steve Mabona here.