Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education, has conveyed her condolences to all of the families who have lost loved ones as a result of the recent rains in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Motshekga, 18 students and one instructor had died by Wednesday afternoon.
According to the latest figures, 306 people have died as a result of the province’s massive flooding.
“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.
According to the latest figures, 306 people have died as a result of the province’s massive flooding.
The province’s Department of Education has been forced to close schools until next week due to the flooding, which has caused more than 248 buildings to be destroyed.
“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.
Storms in KwaZulu-Natal have already wreaked havoc on more than 200 institutions. Kwazi Mshengu, the KZN Education MEC, said more than 500 schools in the province needed immediate maintenance.
The national Department of Basic Education announced that it has dispatched a team of top management to assist the KZN Education Department in assessing the damage. Soon, the minister would pay a visit to the province.
To assist impacted families, the national department said it would work with the Department of Education in KZN, as well as other ministries and stakeholders.
The province has been designated as a disaster zone.
