Bushbuckridge - The Mpumalanga Department of Education has set up a team to investigate the cause of a fire at the Lesedi Primary School, which left pupils without classrooms.
During the fire, which broke out in the early hours on Tuesday, three classrooms for Grades 1, 2 and 3 were burnt down.
Department spokesperson Jasper Zwane said on Wednesday that three classrooms with 44 learner tables, 106 chairs including cupboards and four shelves were destroyed in the fire.
Chalk boards and notice boards were also destroyed and the damage caused during the fire is estimated at R400 000.
Mr Zwane said the department held a meeting between the school's principal, regional management team, members of the school governing body and teachers to asses the damage and conditions for learning and teaching.
"The department immediately set up a team to investigate and assess means for alternative arrangements to ensure that teaching and learning is not adversely affected.
"It became clear that it would not be possible to teach learners and they were all advised to go home and come back on Monday," Mr Zwane said.
He said the department will await a comprehensive report from the team, adding that a parents meeting has been called to formally inform parents of this development.
The department has also opened an arson case with the police.
