SCHOOL NEWS - A fire disrupted an exam of Grade 12 learners at George Secondary School yesterday, Tuesday 20 October, while they were writing the History Paper 1.

According to Western Cape Education Department (WCED) communications officer Millicent Merton, a preliminary report from the school indicated that a fire was discovered at approximately 14:10 in a dressing room behind the stage in the school hall while learners were writing their exam paper.

“School staff responded immediately using available firefighting equipment, and the candidates were safely relocated in an orderly manner to another section of the hall.”

Merton said the fire and ambulance services were contacted, and the relevant district officials and Safe Schools were notified.

“Following consultation with the examination authorities, candidates were granted an additional 15 minutes to compensate for the disruption.”

She assured that the integrity of the examination process was maintained throughout, with candidates remaining under supervision at all times and appropriate examination protocols being followed. “Their well-being was also assessed after the examination.”

She said the school is awaiting the official findings and reports from the South African Police Service and the fire services.

“While it has not yet been officially confirmed whether the fire was caused accidentally or deliberately, any intentional act would be an extremely serious matter. We sincerely hope that those responsible, if any wrongdoing is confirmed, are identified and held accountable,” said Merton.

“Not only did this incident disrupt an important National Senior Certificate examination and cause undue stress to candidates, but it also unnecessarily endangered the safety of learners, staff and school property.”

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