A suspected petrol bomb attack has damaged RA Padayachee Primary’s administration block, in what sources allege was an extortion attempt linked to a gang seeking school contracts.

The early morning blaze at the Shaka’s Head school on Friday, June 13, caused damages estimated in the tens of thousands of rands and left staff and pupils feeling threatened. According to a security guard on patrol, six men entered the school grounds at around 3am, broke the admin block windows and threw a lit device inside.

KwaDukuza firefighters arrived quickly and contained the fire to three adjoining rooms. No one was injured and classrooms were not affected. Nothing was stolen and the arsonists fled the scene.

A well-placed source in Shaka’s Head believes the attack is linked to tensions over the recent appointment of a new principal.

“There were people unhappy about not getting the post,” said the source, who requested anonymity.

“I also understand they are trying to pressure the school into awarding them an alarm installation contract.”

Despite the serious nature of the incident, no criminal case has been opened. Staff allege police advised them to file an incident report for insurance purposes, as no theft occurred. Umhlali Saps had not responded at the time of publication.

RA Padayachee Primary, the only school in Shaka’s Head, is fully state-funded and serves 1 020 pupils in just 22 classrooms. It charges no school fees.

School governing body chairperson Mlamuli Ndlela said the Education Department has yet to release any of the grant funding for 2025, typically paid termly.

“We were already behind on maintenance. Now there is no money to fix the fire damage,” said Ndlela.

The fire destroyed air conditioners, fridges, furniture, carpets and paperwork, and some pupils will need to rewrite exams after their papers were lost. The school also plans to inspect the structure for safety.

They are appealing for donations to help replace damaged items and for assistance from electricians, builders, painters and flooring specialists. Contact the school via rapadayachee@gmail.com, or deputy-principal Candace Padayachee at 032 947 1287 or 078 272 6015.

Ndlela thanked the KwaDukuza Fire Department and Fidelity ADT – a partnership funded by Simbithi Eco-Estate – for their swift response and support.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.