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115 families left outside by storm

PICKING UP: Strong winds took the roof Matsebe Secondary school in Malepetleke at the weekend. Pic. Eward Maahlamela. 23/10/2006. © Sowetan.
PICKING UP: Strong winds took the roof Matsebe Secondary school in Malepetleke at the weekend. Pic. Eward Maahlamela. 23/10/2006. © Sowetan.

Selby Makgotho and Tebogo Tshipi

Selby Makgotho and Tebogo Tshipi

More than 115 families from five Limpopo villages have been left homeless after they were hit by strong winds at the weekend.

The areas affected are Malepetleke, Ga-Masenya, Mosesetjane, Ga-Mokaba and Extension 19 in Mokopane.

The roofs of Matsebe Secondary School in Malepetleke and Seripa Secondary School in Senwabarwana were blown away, leaving the pupils in a state of despair, particularly as they are sitting for their examinations.

When Sowetan visited Malepetleke yesterday Anna Matlou said she and her family were desperate. Their area was prone to windstorms but it seemed unfair because they were a poverty-stricken community.

Because of damage caused by the storm at Matsebe, pupils are having to learn under the trees while others have to attend classes in shifts.

When Sowetan arrived at the school yesterday pupils were sitting for their final exams in shifts.

Bob Mmola, mayor of Mogalakwena, yesterday said they had erected temporary tents and provided food for the families.

"We are monitoring the situation. We think the relief we have provided will see the communities through while they are rebuilding their houses," Mmola said.

Limpopo education spokesman Ndo Mangala said his department would provide mobile classrooms for Matsebe and Seripa high schools for the examinations.

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