Follow Up: Dawn Park Primary rebuilds burnt classrooms

Dawn Park Primary School has completed renovations on three classrooms that were destroyed in a fire on August 13, 2024, providing much-needed relief to 250 Grade Six learners who were left without proper facilities for months.

The fire broke out around 02:00, reportedly starting at the school’s tuckshop before quickly spreading to the classrooms and a kitchen used for the feeding scheme.

In the aftermath, the Gauteng Department of Education initially promised to rebuild the affected classrooms.

However, according to school principal Vusi Motaung, those promises were not fulfilled. Instead, the school relied on insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding.

“The department only provided prefab classrooms, but no follow-ups were made.

“With the insurance payout, we were able to renovate the affected classrooms and replace the necessary equipment. We couldn’t wait indefinitely for the department to act.”

Motaung said the school’s determination and the insurance coverage have paid off, with the damaged classrooms fully renovated.

Despite limited resources, the school managed to purchase chairs and desks to accommodate learners.

“We wanted to welcome learners into a school-friendly environment as the school year commenced. Although we still face a shortage of desks and tables, we’ve made progress for now,” Motaung said.

He added that the tuckshop and kitchen have also been rebuilt, ensuring that the school’s feeding scheme can continue to support its learners.

“We couldn’t let the fire define us. This is about creating a better future for our children.”

While the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, Dawn Park Police Station’s Sergeant Nkemeleng Mabula confirmed that no definitive conclusions have been reached.

Also Read: Unexplained fire hits local school