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Krugersdorp Pupils Set Classrooms Ablaze Over Exam Timetable Shift

Published

2 months ago

August 7, 2025

Chiraag

Krugersdorp school fire, pupils arrested, Thuto-Lefa Secondary School, classroom arson, exam timetable protest, education department response, Gauteng school violence, academic pressure, mobile classrooms destroyed, Joburg ETC

There are school protests. Then there’s what happened in Munsieville, Krugersdorp.

Five pupils have been arrested for allegedly setting fire to two mobile classrooms at Thuto-Lefa Secondary School. According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the destruction appears to have been sparked by outrage over recent changes to the school’s timetable.

What led to the fire?

On Wednesday afternoon, smoke rose from the school premises as the mobile classrooms went up in flames.

Authorities believe the act was deliberate and connected to pupils’ dissatisfaction with the new academic scheduling. Spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department, Steve Mabona, said the changes were introduced to help learners complete their syllabus and prepare adequately for the fast-approaching preliminary exams.

Instead of attending the extra classes, some students allegedly chose to burn them down.

Five pupils behind bars

Police confirmed that five learners have been arrested in connection with the incident, four in Grade 10 and one in Grade 9. Investigations are ongoing, but the incident has already sparked serious concern about discipline, school safety, and how young people are processing academic pressure.

Mabona expressed dismay, stating, “It is deeply concerning that opposition to academic planning may have been expressed through such a destructive act.”

Thuto Lefa Secondary school is on fire. Bana ba Mandela, are celebrating. pic.twitter.com/Ego6wQb7Ww

— Raisibe (@Patricia_Bantom) August 6, 2025

MEC: This is not a protest; it’s a crime

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, didn’t mince his words. In a public statement, he condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms.

“Burning a classroom is not a form of protest; it is a criminal act that robs pupils of their right to quality education,” Chiloane said, adding that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that those involved will face the full consequences of the law.

He also confirmed that learning would continue and that the department is working with the school and stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption. Immediate interventions, including temporary infrastructure and damage assessments, are already in motion.

A deeper look: Protest or pressure cooker?

While the actions are undeniably criminal, the backstory hints at a broader tension. South Africa’s school environment is no stranger to disruptive protests, often rooted in issues like infrastructure neglect, teacher shortages, or unrealistic academic expectations.

But this latest incident raises difficult questions:

Are students being adequately supported through exam stress?
Are their concerns being heard before frustration boils over into violence?

None of this excuses arson. But it does call for more honest conversations about discipline, communication, and mental health in our schools.

What’s next for Thuto-Lefa?

As the school recovers from the physical damage, the psychological scars may take longer to heal. The department has vowed not to let this derail the academic year, but rebuilding trust between students, teachers, and leadership might be just as important as rebuilding classrooms.

Chiloane urged communities, parents, and learners to work together to protect schools from becoming battlegrounds. Whether that message takes root remains to be seen.