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AT LEAST 57 school learners have been confirmed dead while five learners are still missing following deadly floods in KwaZulu-Natal, according to the Department of Basic Education.
“It has been reported that 57 learners have been confirmed to be deceased while 5 are still missing,” the department said.
The department added that one educator and one food handler have also been reported to have passed away.
DBE said that rescue and recovery processes were still ongoing.
Basic Education Minister of Basic Angie Motshekga is expected to visit KwaZulu-Natal Province on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Taking to Twitter, Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga tweeted: “The impact of the KZN floods on schools is sad and a difficult situation still.”
All provincial schools affected by the floods were temporarily closed on Wednesday last week.
“The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal wishes to inform school communities and all education
stakeholders that it has temporarily closed all schools that have been affected by massive flooding of heavy downpours and inflows of water that has been taking place in the last few days in KwaZulu Natal,” the statement said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to assist people who have lost their family members during the floods.
Ramaphosa visited the flood-stricken parts of KwaZulu-Natal last Wednesday.
“This is a tragic toll of the force of nature and this situation calls for an effective
response by government in partnership with communities,” said Ramaphosa.
“This situation calls on us to come together as a nation and offer assistance to those who desperately need our care and support. What is painful is that a lot of people have died. Their homes have been destroyed, streets, towns and this church has been destroyed. You are not alone. We will do everything in our power to see how we can help. Even though your
hearts are still in pain, we are here for you.”
Last week, the Provincial Education Department advised schools and parents to use their discretion on whether to send children to school or allow them to stay at home.
Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi, “Safety alert by the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, attention to all school principals and School Governing Bodies due to inclement weather conditions the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal advises teachers, parents, caregivers to use their discretion whether or not to send their children to schools. The department will monitor the weather patterns and give further advise in this regard.”
INSIDE EDUCATION