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THE Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that 18 learners and one teacher died in the floods in KwaZulu-Natal, described by many as one of SA’s worst disasters.
“By Wednesday afternoon 18 learners and one educator had been reported to have perished in the disaster that occurred,” the department said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Basic Education Angie Motshekga expressed her condolences and sympathy to all the families who had lost their loved ones in the heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal.
More than 300 people have lost their lives during the floods, according to authorities.
“We are saddened that so many lives have been lost and we would like to express our deepest condolences to all affected families and relatives. It is such a tragic loss and our prayers go out to those who have lost their family members and those who lost their belongings,” said Motshekga.
The floods have forced the Department of Education in the province to close schools until next week as more than 120 have been reported to be damaged.
“This is a catastrophe and the damage is unprecedented. What is even more worrying is that more rain is expected in the same areas that are already affected,” Motshekga said
The province has now been declared a provincial disaster.
The Department of Basic Education has also sent a team of senior managers to support the provincial
education department in conducting an assessment of the damage caused.
The minister will also visit the province soon.
KZN Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu said that the province has now more than 500 schools that are damaged and require urgent attention.
On Wednesday, the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal announced that all the schools in KZN affected by floods have closed.
This move comes after the province has been experiencing floods since Sunday night.
“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.
INSIDE EDUCATION