Northern Province is appealing for help after an arson attack caused extensive damage at Mphuma High School.
NOMSA SHONGWE reports
THE education department in the Northern province is appealing for help for Mphuma High School, where arson last week caused damage of R250 000, African Eye News Service reports.
Spokesman Rapule Matsane said the province did not have enough money to replace textbooks, stationery, and chemicals destroyed in the blaze.
The laboratory and staff room were burnt out when a 22-year-old grade 11 pupil allegedly set them on fire after he failed two years in a row, and blamed his teachers.
“We have also asked neighbouring schools to help Mphuma with stationery and textbooks,” said Matsane. He added flooded rivers and a bridge stopped officials reaching the remote school to see the fire damage for themselves, but police put it at R250 000.
Only about half the stationery and textbooks were handed out by the time the fire was started. Matsane said the school was trying as best it could to cope in the meantime.
A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with arson.
— African Eye News Service, January 21, 2000.