A large crack in the wall of the gate post at Potchefstroom High School for Boys is now the first thing staff, learners and visitors see when entering the school at the main gate.

It is not yet sure what specifically caused the damage, but there could be a few possibilities.

It alleged that the damage could’ve been caused by a driver of a motor vehicle that collided into the gate post wall.

When Potchefstroom High School for Boys, principal, Ms. Liané van der Merwe had left the premises on Friday, 16 January, the wall had no damage.

When she went back to the school on the next day (Saturday morning) she saw that the gate post had a large crack. This zig-zag like crack was present on the wall, whilst the lettering on the wall also presented damage.

“Our safety officer had a look and it seems that a motor vehicle, such as a minibus or a larger bakkie/truck had bumped into the wall before driving off. We unfortunately don’t have cameras at the gate post to see what exactly happened,” mentioned Van der Merwe.

There are also suggestions on social media that the trees in the area could be the cause, as thick roots can undermine foundations and cause damage through upwards pressure over time. The Herald spoke to experts in the field of botany who stated that tree roots would not have caused the damage as the foundation of the wall shifted and was not lifted up.

Currently, tape has been spun around the wall to ensure visibility of the damaged gate post.

Van der Merwe posted photos of the wall on the Potchefstroom Old Boys Facebook page to get feedback and suggestions on the how the wall could be restored.

“I would like the Old Boys to give their input and assist in restoring the look of the school at the gate post. Here is a lot of heritage and these bricks are quite unique,” she added.

The school can be contacted at thepa@potchboyshigh.co.za if anyone would like to assist the school in restoring the gate post.