Footage: Gauteng condemns Eastbank High furniture burning in Alexandra

Eastbank High School in Alexandra has suffered further disruption after four desks and two chairs were destroyed in a fire on Tuesday, 11 August.

The Gauteng Department of Education said the incident disrupted teaching and learning at the school, which is already facing significant infrastructure and furniture shortages. A case of malicious damage to property has been opened with the Alexandra South African Police Service (SAPS).

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile condemned the burning of school furniture and called for greater protection of education infrastructure.

‘Every desk and every chair matters,’ Maile said.

MEDIA STATEMENT | GAUTENG MEC LEBOGANG MAILE CONDEMNS BURNING OF SCHOOL FURNITURE AND DISRUPTION OF LEARNING AT EASTBANK HIGH SCHOOL

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, @LebogangMaile1, strongly condemns the burning of school furniture and disruption… pic.twitter.com/cJu9dRM09t

Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) August 12, 2026

School already faces severe furniture shortages

Eastbank High was designed for about 1 200 learners and currently accommodates 2 063, placing further pressure on its resources.

The department said the school requires approximately 1 200 desks and 600 chairs. During 2026, it delivered 1 000 chairs and 150 desks, with significant shortages still reported.

The school has also reported damage to its infrastructure. About 60 windows now require repairs, while eight doors need further attention following previous repairs.

Maile said repeated vandalism puts additional pressure on limited education funding.

‘We will protect the constitutional right of learners to learn,’ he said.

See footage shared by Alex Bulletins below:

The department has also activated counselling and support structures for learners and staff following the death of a popular educator in the Eastbank High community.