Fire at Eersterust school highlights asbestos risk
The cause of the Eersterust Secondary fire is under investigation. Though no injuries occurred, the blaze exposed delays in asbestos removal and infrastructure upgrades, prompting renewed community calls for urgent government action.
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that the cause of the fire that broke out at Eersterust Secondary School on September 8 is still unknown and remains under investigation by the SAPS.
“The cause of the fire is unknown at the moment, and SAPS is currently investigating the matter,” Steve Mabona, departmental spokesperson, said in response to widespread speculation that learners smoking may have started the blaze.
The fire, which spread rapidly through asbestos classrooms, including two disused labs, sent shockwaves through the Eersterust community.
Though five classrooms were destroyed, Mabona emphasised that the school has sufficient facilities to continue functioning.
“The school has enough classrooms, teaching and learning is not affected,” he stated, adding that emergency evacuation procedures were correctly followed and all learners were safely accounted for via class registers.
Community members have expressed growing frustration over the presence of hazardous asbestos structures on school grounds, which have long been marked for removal.
Mabona acknowledged the delays but maintained that plans are progressing.
“It is important to note that the process to replace classrooms is being finalised,” he explained. “As per the project plan, the decanting process will be used to remove remaining asbestos structures.”
While the fire fortunately resulted in no injuries among the school’s 900 learners and staff, many parents and residents called for medical screenings, citing concerns over potential asbestos exposure during the blaze.
Mabona confirmed that a safety assessment had been conducted by Tshwane Municipality Health Services and that the affected area had been cordoned off.
Residents were concerned about the gas cylinders present on school property.
Smoke billowing
In response, Mabona clarified that while three gas bottles were indeed on site, they were not affected by the fire and were located near food preparation areas, not the laboratories where the fire began.
The spokesperson also assured that the school governing body (SGB) remains actively involved in all infrastructure and safety planning.
“The SGB is always kept abreast of project development at the school,” Mabona noted.
Despite these reassurances, local voices and leaders remain critical.
Footage of learners fleeing the school grounds has circulated on community safety platforms, and many feel the event highlights broader systemic issues, particularly the slow pace of infrastructure upgrades and failure to remove hazardous materials from educational facilities.
“These classrooms should have been replaced a long time ago,” said a community spokesperson who wanted to remain anonymous.
“The Department of Education had already earmarked the school for upgrades, but no action has been taken.”
As the investigation continues, community members are demanding urgent intervention from provincial authorities.
“Not only to rebuild the damaged infrastructure but to permanently eliminate the health risks associated with asbestos. The fire may have passed, but the questions it raised about school safety, infrastructure neglect, and departmental accountability continue to concern us. We are in discussions with the department and school on the road ahead,” said the community leader.
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