Fire safety protocol deficiencies in Gauteng schools have been exposed, with 29 schools burned down since 2019. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands a comprehensive review of the current safety measures to identify weaknesses and develop solutions to protect our schools and ensure the safety of our learners.
Out of the 29 fire-damaged schools, 13 have neither been assessed nor repaired by the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) in the last five years. The department has completed repairs on only six schools, incurring a total cost of R9,301,040.71. Meanwhile, ten additional schools have been fixed through insurance, support from School Governing Bodies (SGBs), and donations.
This shocking information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane in a written reply to questions posed by the DA in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
See full reply here.
The burning of so many schools underscores a significant problem that the DA has long pointed out: many of our schools are ill-equipped to manage fire emergencies. They lack functional fire alarms, clear emergency signage, and essential firefighting equipment such as extinguishers and blankets, and training on fire response is often inconsistent. The intentional sabotage of our schools by setting fires is unacceptable and must be condemned.
The DA demands that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) revisit and bolster fire safety measures in our schools. We also urge the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) to take responsibility and urgently repair the 13 remaining schools.
The DA has submitted further questions to determine which schools, beyond those affected by fire damage, remain unrepaired across the province.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure schools are safe and equipped with fire prevention tools. We would implement a triage assessment to prioritise infrastructure needs and conduct regular audits to identify safety hazards and maintenance issues.
The DA will continue to advocate for safe and dignified learning environments, holding Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government accountable for its slow response in protecting our learners from fire hazards.