Riverlea Secondary School in Johannesburg. Image: Supplied
Gauteng Department of Education
1Min
South Africa
More than 300 learners at Riverlea High School are without classrooms after a second fire destroyed key facilities. Delays in repairs, poor security, and lack of resources have raised serious concerns about safety, learning conditions, and the wellbeing of both learners and teachers at the school.
More than 300 learners at Riverlea High School have been left without classrooms after a second fire damaged parts of the school.
The latest blaze, which is suspected to be arson, destroyed several classrooms, laboratories and the library, making an already difficult situation worse.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos has called on the Gauteng Department of Education and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development to act quickly and avoid further delays. He said learners should not be forced to study in unsafe and undignified conditions.
The department had earlier confirmed that a contractor was appointed in April 2025 to fix previous fire damage, but repairs have not started due to budget problems.
Santos said Grade 8 and 9 learners are currently being taught in the school hall, which is not suitable for learning. The school also faces shortages of classrooms, furniture and proper sanitation facilities.
There are also concerns about poor security, including lack of lighting and easy access to the school grounds, which may increase the risk of crime and vandalism.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile visited the school on Wednesday and condemned the fire, calling it a criminal act that cannot be justified.
