School torched as pupils protest over matric farewell

Protesting pupils of a Ngqeleni school have completely destroyed it demanding a farewell.

Six classrooms were set alight by angry pupils of Nogemane Senior SecondarySchool in Ntibane village last night. The principal's office, administration block, library and laboratory have also been burnt to ashes.

School governing body chairman Jongimvula Hohlo said they were shocked atthe conduct of their pupils.

“Pupils were supposed to start with trial examinations today, but by the look of things that will be impossible,” he said.

The protest at the schools started on August 19 when Grade 12 pupils demanded a farewell.

Hohlo said there was a meeting with parents and pupils yesterday where it was agreed that the farewell would be on October 19. “We thought we understood each other. We are very shocked that the school has been burnt down,” he said.

Hohlo said they were now waiting for the department of education to give thema way forward.

Grade 12 pupil Zimkhitha Gxala said not even a single teacher had arrived at the school yet.

“We were supposed to be writing today and with the way things are at the moment it all seems impossible," she said.

Department of education spokesman Mali Mtima urged pupils to refrain from "using violence to make statements. All schools have open-door policy. Therefore pupils are always encouraged to use those channels to address their grievances".

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said a case of arson has been opened and no arrests have been made.