Strong winds blow away exam halls roofs

At least 224 matric pupils from Ibhongo High School in Dlamini, Soweto, will write their final exams at a multipurpose centre after their examination halls were destroyed by strong winds.

- Thando Nondywana

The winds, which ripped off roofs at schools on Monday, caused extensive damage to both the main and small halls, just after pupils completed their first exam on Monday.

The centre had been arranged as an alternative venue by school governing body (SGB) members in a bid to ensure the exams went smoothly.

SGB chair Isaac Ngwenya expressed disappointment with the incident, which he described as unfortunate.

He acknowledged that the structure was old, but slammed the department of education for its lack of maintenance.

"We had to come up with an alternative venue to minimise disruptions and were able to secure the hall, at least until they are done with the exams."