By Lebone Rodah Mosima

A devastating fire destroyed an entire classroom block earlier this week, affecting 320 learners in Grades 8 and 9 at the Riverlea Secondary School in Johannesburg. 

Three classrooms were destroyed when fire engulfed a block of classrooms at the Riverlea Secondary School. The fire affected a laboratory and the school library #fire #Riverlea #johannesburg pic.twitter.com/oO6067fNf5

— Nkosazana Peshwa (@NkosazanaPeshwa) April 8, 2026

Gauteng Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, visited the school on Wednesday and conducted a walkabout to assess the extent of the structural damage.

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Maile said that the affected learners are currently being accommodated in the school hall as the school works with the District Office on an interim arrangement.

Maile believes the school burning was deliberately carried out, arguing that this act shouldn’t be justified.

“There can be no justification to burn a school – doesn’t matter how angry people can be,” Maile said. 

“We can’t and we must never try to make it appear like it’s reason enough to do something like this. It’s criminal, it’s unacceptable.”

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He mentioned that, despite reports from community activists about the incident, only a few of these activists are suspected of being involved in setting the fire.

“You’ve got a lot of community involvement and activism, but there are those elements – we must isolate them, identify them and deal with them, decisively,” he said.

“Those are criminals, they can’t be entertained, so they must be locked in jail.”

The Gauteng Department of Education added that although three other classrooms were not destroyed, they remain unusable for now due to smoke damage and will require cleaning before they can be occupied.

Maile further said that the department has engaged with school management on the “immediate interventions required to support the school community, including temporary alternative accommodation for the learners, and on the way forward to restore the affected infrastructure.”

He outlined that this visit is part of the ongoing efforts by the department to ensure teaching and learning continue with minimal disruption as Term 2 begins, while plans are finalised to rehabilitate the damaged facilities.

The department further said that plans are underway to address the damage caused.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have called for the resignation of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mayor, Princess Faku, over allegations linked to the investigation into academic qualifications at the University of Fort Hare.

In a statement, the EFF said Faku should step down following claims that she fraudulently registered for an LLB degree. The allegations form part of an ongoing probe by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU).

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“The Economic Freedom Fighters calls for the immediate resignation of the ANC-deployed Mayor, Princess Faku, following revelations that she fraudulently registered herself at the University of Fort Hare,” the party said.

The EFF alleged that Faku did not meet the requirements to enrol for the law degree and accused political leaders of abusing their positions to access higher education.

“In a context where millions of young people seek to pursue higher education after matriculating and are often denied entry due to limited access and space in universities, it is disgraceful that ANC politicians in the Eastern Cape use their political and financial influence to undermine the merit-based system,” the party said.

“There are worthy young people who were denied access at Fort Hare due to Princess Faku and all ANC politicians who manipulate their way into institutions of higher learning.”

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The party said those implicated must be held accountable.

“Princess Faku and all those who are implicated in degree-fraud must immediately resign and be held responsible for undermining education, denying young people a fair chance, and stealing their university spots,” it said.

However, the ANC in the Eastern Cape has rejected the allegations.  

“The ANC has noted with great sense of disbelief and utter repugnance reckless, defamatory, and politically opportunistic utterances issued by the EFF against Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Princess Faku,” the party said.

The ANC said the university’s decision to defer Faku’s graduation had already been set aside by the courts and denied any wrongdoing by the mayor. Faku’s graduation was delayed in 2023. The Bhisho High Court later reviewed and set aside the university’s decision to defer or suspend her graduation, and she was conferred with her LLB degree in April 2024.

“Comrade Princess Faku did not fraudulently register at the University of Fort Hare, the record is clear, the law is clear, and the court has spoken,” the statement read.

The ANC said the EFF’s claims were politically motivated.

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“The EFF’s statement is not a contribution to public accountability but rather a smear campaign built on falsehoods and deliberate distortion,” it said.

“The Executive Mayor has no reason to resign over a matter that has already been dealt with by lawful and judicial process.”

The ANC has demanded that the EFF withdraw its statement and issue an apology within 24 hours, warning that legal action could follow if it fails to do so.

The dispute comes as the broader SIU investigation into alleged irregular admissions and the awarding of qualifications at the University of Fort Hare continues.

In October 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation widening the scope of the probe to include the registration or admission of ineligible persons and the awarding of bachelor’s, honours, master’s and PhD degrees.

It also comes as Faku is expected to lead a planned march in East London on Friday alongside Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo. The march is aimed at calling for the removal of a recently corronated Igbo king and the closure of drug dens in the California area.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela on Wednesday called for a skills revolution in construction, saying universities and colleges must produce graduates able to meet the sector’s real-world demands from day one.

“The skills revolution is about…ensuring that what we teach, what we research and also what we produce in our institutions is directly aligned with the needs of the economy and society,” he said.

ALSO READ: EFF calls for Princess Faku to resign

“It is about producing graduates who are not only qualified, but capable of working, building, innovating but also contributing from the first day that they step out of university, TVET college or out of community college.”

Manamela was speaking at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (iWS) in East London, where the institution, in collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), launched the iWS-cidb Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Construction and Fourth Industrial Revolution in TVET Education.

The centre is expected to support research, practice and industry development aimed at addressing shortcomings in the sector. It also aims to advance the country’s developmental goals through the use of cutting-edge 4IR technology, while generating practical insights to help inform policy.

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The centre is expected to produce highly skilled graduates and help bridge the gap between education, industry and innovation.

Manamela said the centre should ensure that students are exposed to the construction industry during their studies, where they engage with actual construction projects, acquiring “confidence and competence to effectively operate in the industry”.

“It must drive applied research. We cannot afford a situation where research exists only in academic journals and disconnected from the challenges faced by practitioners on the ground,” said Manamela.

He said the academic heads and professors tasked with the responsibility of leading the iWS-cidb centre have a duty to produce graduates who can confront industry challenges, including project delays, productivity constraints, sustainability and cost efficiency.

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Manamela emphasised the need for the centre to embrace transformation within the sector by supporting the development of emerging contractors, strengthening the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating pathways for inclusive economic participation.

“Infrastructure investment must translate into broader economic empowerment not just completed projects,” Manamela said.

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala welcomed the launch of the centre as one of the measures needed to address the spatial legacy of apartheid.

He said the development would require a comprehensive approach to implementation to ensure growth is inclusive and that development reaches all communities.

“We look to the students of this university to play their part in reversing the spatial legacy of apartheid, which left the rural hinterland — like the former Transkei and Ciskei — at the periphery of development,” Zikalala said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Sihle Mavuso 

The Independent South African National Civic Organisation (ISANCO) has called for the return of school prayers and corporal punishment, saying that crime, corruption, and moral decay demand a return to Christian values.

In an Easter message, party president Zukile Luyenge said the country had regressed since morning prayers and corporal punishment were removed from schools.

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“The government may deny it but the consequences of this error of judgement has led to the decay of morality. The abolishment of corporal punishment in our school worsened the situation.

“It was even worse when the children were given permission to access termination of pregnancy without the consent of their parents as early as 12 years of age,” he said.

ISANCO is a breakaway from the ANC-aligned SANCO. In March, Luyenge told voters to back civic organisations and traditional leaders rather than mainstream parties, accusing the ANC, the Electoral Commission and Home Affairs of an “unholy” alliance.

Days later, he joined protests over the coronation of an Igbo king in East London, saying that coronation was evidence that South Africa had become a “Banana Republic”.

Christianity is the country’s largest religious affiliation, with Census 2022 putting the figure at 85.3% of the population.

South African law, however, does not support Luyenge’s claim that prayer was simply abolished in public schools after 1994.

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The South African Schools Act says religious observances may be conducted at public schools under rules set by governing bodies, provided they are held on an equitable basis and attendance is free and voluntary. The national religion-in-education policy says public schools must embrace the country’s religious diversity.

Section 10 of the Schools Act states that no person may administer corporal punishment to a learner at school and says anyone who does so is guilty of an offence punishable as assault.

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act says no consent other than that of the pregnant woman is required. In the case of a pregnant minor, a doctor or registered midwife must advise her to consult her parents, guardian, family members or friends, but the termination may not be denied if she chooses not to do so. National health guidelines further state there is no minimum age of consent for access to termination of pregnancy services.

Luyenge nevertheless said Easter should mark the start of a moral reset.

 “The Easter holidays are observed even by the people who spend the whole year without seeing the door of the church. May this be the beginning of the road to moral regeneration and compassion.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Johnathan Paoli

Tournament underdogs Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town defeated favourites Mamelodi Sundowns FC 1-0 to win the 2026 Bayhill Premier Cup and claim the coveted Roger Clayton Trophy at a packed Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

In a tense and tactical final, the Cape side held their nerve against the highly rated Sundowns academy side.

Sundowns entered the clash as favourites, but were ultimately undone by a disciplined defensive performance and a decisive moment of attacking quality.

The match unfolded with Sundowns dominating possession for long periods but struggling to break down the Antalyaspor defence, who remained compact and resolute, frustrating wave after wave of attacks.

The breakthrough came after half time, via a goal by Antalyaspor player Lwandle Mdingi that sent the home crowd into raptures, giving the hosts a slender but crucial advantage.

Despite sustained late pressure, the Brazilians were unable to find an equaliser, as Antalyaspor’s defensive structure held firm through the closing stages.

At the final whistle, jubilant scenes erupted as Antalyaspor players and supporters celebrated a historic triumph for the Cape club.

“No one gave us a chance against a team of Sundowns’ calibre. But these boys played with Cape heart. They played for the badge and for every fan in those stands,” Antalyaspor coach Gareth Ncaca said after the match.

The victory caps a memorable campaign for the team, who upset one of the tournament favourites to lift the title.

For Sundowns, the defeat represents a bitter disappointment after an otherwise dominant campaign en route to the final.

Their inability to convert possession into goals proved costly against a side that executed its game plan to perfection.

Earlier in the day, Cape Town Spurs FC secured the Pat Connolly Mid-Section title with a 2-0 victory over Randburg AFC.

Spurs took control early in the first half and extended their lead shortly after the break, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

Randburg were handed a late opportunity to claw their way back into the contest after being awarded a penalty in the dying minutes, but the spot kick was saved, sealing the result for the Cape side.

In the Bruyns Plate Section Final, Rygersdal FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Hout Bay United FC 4-0, completing a dominant display.

The emphatic win carried added significance as Rygersdal celebrated their 50th anniversary, turning what began as an uncertain campaign into a memorable triumph.

Having entered the knockout stages as the best third-placed team, they seized their opportunity with both hands.

“Great achievement for the club as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. When we received the invitation, we were not sure how the squad would come together in such a short period, but we planned meticulously and it showed in the final,” club chairman Justin Asher said.

Asher credited the coaching staff for their ability to adapt following a difficult start to the tournament.

“We have to give it to the coaching team who worked together throughout the tournament to bounce back after the first game and win the Bruyns Plate Final,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

A religious settlement in KwaMaphumulo has been accused of urging followers to abandon antiretroviral treatment and other modern medicine, leave school and jobs, and rely instead on faith healing.

The allegations have garnered backlash from the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for health, Nomagugu Simelane.

“If it is true that any person is encouraging followers to stop their ARVs, that behaviour is dangerous and cannot be tolerated. It is, in effect, a way of killing people slowly,” Simelane said.

Such actions amounted to “nothing less than genocide against people living with HIV,” she said.

The allegations were first reported on by the Sunday Tribune and SABC last week.

The Tribune reported that about 100 followers at iKhaya Labafundi in Dabangu had left careers, studies and, in some cases, medical treatment to pursue a faith-led life.

The SABC reported that more than 50 people had joined the group and that members said they did not use clinics or hospitals because it went against their beliefs.

Both media houses also carried accounts from members who said they had stopped taking HIV medication after joining the group.

The Tribune reported that one woman said she stopped ARV treatment in 2024, while SABC News quoted another member as saying she had stopped taking chronic HIV medication after “a spiritual conviction”.

The Tribune also reported concerns from nearby residents over school-age children seen at the settlement instead of in class. congregation.

The reports identified the founder as Vusumuzi Sibiya, who described the settlement as a place for people “separated unto God” and said it sustained itself through farming. He rejected descriptions of the movement as a cult and said people had joined voluntarily.

Responding during the department’s Easter Weekend Church Wellness Outreach Programme at the UCCSA in uMzinyathi, eThekwini, Simelane said the provincial government was not seeking to interfere in matters of faith, but could not ignore reports that people may be abandoning life-saving treatment.

“[W]e have a duty to act when faced with allegations that people are being misled in ways that could cost lives,” she said.

Simelane said the allegations remained unproven in a legal sense, but warned that the conduct described in the reports would be catastrophic if true.

She said the province could not afford to return to the worst years of the epidemic.

“We all remember what HIV did to our communities before the arrival of ARVs, the funerals, the orphans, the wasting away. We will not take our people back to that dark time,” Simelane said.

“Stopping ARV treatment has serious consequences. It leads to viral rebound, deterioration of health, potential death, and increased risk of transmission to others. Spreading misinformation on this matter cannot be taken lightly.”

Simelane also appealed to churches to work with the health department rather than undercut public health messaging on HIV and AIDS.

“Pastors play a big role in our communities. They preach weekly to people who believe in them. If their message on HIV and AIDS is dwindling, that is dangerous. We are willing to train and equip pastors so that they can become our ambassadors in combating HIV and AIDS. The Bible says my people perish because of a lack of knowledge,” she said.

She called for sanctions if the allegations are proved. “Anyone who misleads people by telling them to abandon ARVs must face the full might of the law. That is tantamount to causing harm,” Simelane said.

She told people living with HIV to remain on treatment. “Prayer, rest, and medical faithfulness save lives.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Des Erasmus

For students, a fuel hike is not just bad news for those who drive to campuses. It can mean pricier taxi fares, more pressure on family budgets, and less room for basics like food, medicine, and study costs.

From 1 April, petrol increased by R3.06 a litre, while diesel increased by between R7.37 and R7.51 a litre. The temporary R3-a-litre fuel levy cut by the government — introduced only for April — is meant to soften the blow.

Many students already operate within tight transport budgets and depend heavily on public transport. Taxis are the main mode of travel to post-school education and training institutions for 42.2% of students overall, with buses accounting for 12.1%, according to Statistics SA.

Treasury has already flagged concern about fuel’s knock-on effect on food and transport inflation, and Stats SA says transport remains the third-largest category in the consumer inflation basket.

In other words, a fuel shock is not confined to motorists. It can ripple through the everyday costs students face, from taxi fares to the price of basic goods.

So, how exactly is the country’s basic fuel price calculated?

The amount paid per litre is not simply the cost of the fuel in the tank. It is built up from a formula that starts overseas and ends with a long list of local transport costs, margins, levies and taxes.

According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, South Africa uses an import parity model to calculate the Basic Fuel Price, or BFP. In simple terms, this means the country prices fuel as if a substantial share of its liquid fuel needs had to be imported from major overseas refining centres.

The department says this system is meant to reflect the realistic cost of importing fuel and to ensure that local refineries compete with international suppliers. Petrol prices are therefore linked directly to prices quoted in US dollars at export-oriented refining centres in the Mediterranean, the Arab Gulf and Singapore.

That means the BFP is shaped first by three major global factors: international crude oil prices, international supply and demand for petroleum products, and the rand-dollar exchange rate. If oil prices rise, or if the rand weakens against the dollar, the basic fuel price usually comes under pressure.

The international calculation also includes freight costs to bring the fuel to South African ports. Added to this are fines for shipping delays, insurance, ocean loss during transport, cargo dues for using harbour facilities, coastal storage, and stock financing.

Once all of those costs have been added, the BFP is converted from international units, such as barrels or tons, to cents per litre using the applicable exchange rate.

Domestic factors are then added on top of that. These include inland transport costs to move fuel from the coast to depots and inland markets, the wholesale margin paid to marketers, and the retail profit margin paid to service station operators.

Government charges are also a significant part of the final price. These include the General Fuel Levy, the Road Accident Fund levy, the Carbon Fuel Levy and the Customs and Excise Levy.

Then there is the Slate Levy, which works as a balancing mechanism. Because the daily BFP can be either higher or lower than the official fuel price structure at the time, over-recoveries and under-recoveries build up over a month. If the balance turns negative, a Slate Levy can be imposed to recover the shortfall.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The North West Department of Education has condemned the destruction of a classroom by fire at FM Ramaboa Technical School in Itsoseng township, near Lichtenburg, describing the incident as a serious setback to ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure in the province.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but a case of malicious damage to property has been opened with the local police, and investigations are underway.

North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi condemned the incident, calling it a “barbaric” act.

“On behalf of the Department, I wish to condemn in the strongest terms this barbaric incident, which seeks to destroy learners’ education. I call on the South African Police Service to get to the bottom of this incident and arrest whoever is responsible. Such culprits need to be given the harshest sentence in order to show others that destroying educational assets is not the way to go,” Motsumi said.

She added that the department remains deeply concerned about recurring incidents of vandalism and arson targeting schools, particularly during school recess periods.

“As a Department, we are concerned about these incidents of damage to school assets. Every time during the school recess, we receive these types of reports at our schools. I appeal to community members to remain alert to any suspicious activity at schools and to report it to their nearest police station,” she said.

The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Saturday, gutted one classroom in the Grade 8 block, destroying furniture, learning materials and parts of the building.

Department spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule said the department was alerted to the incident shortly after it occurred, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

Two teachers were contacted by the school principal, who was unable to reach the scene at the time, who informed them that the school was on fire and urged them to rush over in order to assess the extent of the damage.

When the teachers arrived, police officers and fire department officials were already on site.

However, emergency responders were initially unable to access the school grounds as the gates were locked, forcing them to break the chains to gain entry.

Firefighters eventually managed to extinguish the blaze, but not before extensive damage had been caused to the classroom.

Mantshule confirmed that 48 chairs, 32 desks, a chalkboard, as well as the ceiling, classroom tiles and textbooks were destroyed in the fire.

The incident is the latest in a series of school fires reported across the province, raising alarm about the vulnerability of educational facilities and the broader impact on already strained infrastructure.

In recent years, the province has faced persistent challenges related to school infrastructure, with several facilities reported to be in poor or deteriorating condition.

Oversight visits last year revealed widespread shortcomings and indicated that only a small fraction of the province’s more than 1,400 schools are classified as being in excellent condition.

In November 2024, six classrooms were destroyed at Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School in Rustenburg during matric exams, disrupting learning and highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

INSIDE EDUCATION