Strong winds damage more than 20 schools across North Wes

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More than 20 schools across the North West have been damaged by strong winds, with roofs blown off and mobile classrooms destroyed.

The North West Department of Education says the damage occurred between Friday and Saturday, adding pressure to a department that is already dealing with three schools that were recently destroyed by fires.

The affected schools are spread across all four districts in the province, including schools in Groot Marico, Mareetsane, Ikageng, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Madikwe and Taung.

Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono said the department was deeply concerned about the extent of the damage.

“Our immediate priority is to assess the extent of the damage, ensure the safety of learners and educators, and put measures in place to minimise disruptions to teaching and learning,” Mohono said.

The department will dispatch infrastructure teams to the affected schools to assess the damage and determine alternative measures to ensure teaching and learning can continue.

The department warned that the number of affected schools could increase as principals report additional damage when they arrive at their schools on Monday