NWest premier assesses quake damage

The computer lab at Vuyani-Mawethu Secondary School suffered the most damage with ceiling boards and bricks having fallen to the ground when an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Orkney. Photo: Sapa

The computer lab at Vuyani-Mawethu Secondary School suffered the most damage with ceiling boards and bricks having fallen to the ground when an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Orkney. Photo: Sapa

Published Aug 6, 2014

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Orkney - North West premier Supra Mahumapelo on Wednesday visited the Vuyani-Mawethu Secondary School in the township of Khuma, near Orkney in the North West, to assess the damage caused to classrooms by an earthquake.

The province was the most affected by Tuesday's 5.5 earthquake which was felt in many parts of the country and neighbouring states such as Botswana.

He walked around the school and then addressed pupils who had gathered for assembly.

He was met by loud cheers and ululations.

“We came here to thank you, parents, teachers and God for protecting you when the earthquake hit. We are very happy all of you are alive,” he said to applause.

One person died in an old mining village in Orkney following the quake.

Mahumapelo called on the pupils to continue with their school work.

“Continue to work with the principal because you're the future of this country. Listen to your parents, continue learning and make sure you make the North West proud,” he said.

Mahumapelo said government would make sure the damaged classrooms were repaired so that schooling could return to normal.

Sapa

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