Learners Flee As Live Electrical Sparks Expose Safety Crisis At Mayibuye High

MIDRAND, GAUTENG — Panic erupted at Mayibuye High School for the third time in less than a month when learners were forced to flee from live electrical sparks, raising fresh concerns about the safety of the school environment.

The latest incident, reported on August 12, follows similar electrical scares on July 27 and July 31 in Mayibuye, Midrand.

Learners reportedly ran from the affected area as electrical infrastructure continued to spark, turning an ordinary school day into another frightening scramble for safety.

No injuries have been reported. However, the repeated incidents have heightened concerns among learners, parents and the wider school community that someone could be seriously injured if the underlying electrical problem is not urgently resolved.

Learners should not have to run from danger at school

A school is expected to provide a safe environment where children can learn and develop. The sight of learners fleeing from live electrical sparks inside or near their school is therefore a serious warning sign.

The risk is particularly concerning because young learners may not fully understand the dangers posed by exposed cables, electrical faults or live infrastructure.

One of the spots in the school where electrical cables have exploded. Picture: Supplied

A moment of curiosity or confusion could have devastating consequences, including electrocution or severe burns.

The fact that nobody has been injured so far should not be taken as evidence that the situation is safe. Instead, the three reported incidents should be treated as repeated warnings that the problem requires urgent attention.

Three incidents, mounting concern

The incidents reported on July 27, July 31 and August 12 have raised questions about whether previous interventions have adequately addressed the electrical problems at the school.

The latest scare follows an earlier incident in which an exposed electrical cable reportedly caught fire, forcing learners to leave the school.

For parents and guardians, the repeated incidents are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

The obvious question is: How many times must learners flee from electrical sparks before the problem is permanently resolved?

Parents have a right to know what is causing the repeated electrical faults, whether the affected infrastructure has been professionally inspected and what immediate measures have been put in place to protect learners and staff.

Department confirms infrastructure intervention

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana confirmed that the department is aware of the situation at Mayibuye High School.

“The Department has dispatched a team from the Infrastructure Unit to conduct the necessary assessments of the work required, in addition to other problems that require rectification. We are waiting for a service provider to be appointed so that work can resume,” said Lubhelwana.

He said the school’s ablution facilities were repaired in March 2026 but require additional work because of day-to-day maintenance challenges, theft and vandalism.

Lubhelwana added that the school has been allocated R301 658 during the current financial year to address day-to-day maintenance requirements, although the budget is managed directly by the district.

The department’s confirmation that an infrastructure assessment has been undertaken provides some indication that the concerns are being addressed. However, the repeated electrical incidents underline the need for the outstanding work to be completed as a matter of urgency.

Safety cannot be an afterthought

The issue at Mayibuye High extends beyond an infrastructure problem. At its heart is the safety of children and their right to attend school without being exposed to preventable hazards.

Every electrical fault that results in sparks creates another opportunity for someone to be seriously hurt.

Authorities should not have to wait for an electrocution, serious burn or fatal accident before the seriousness of the situation is fully recognised.

The affected infrastructure needs to be secured, the cause of the repeated electrical faults established and all necessary repairs carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.

In the meantime, learners should be warned to stay away from sparking electrical equipment, exposed cables and other affected areas and immediately report any danger to a teacher or school official.

For the Mayibuye community, the concern is becoming increasingly urgent: must a learner be injured before decisive action is taken?

Three electrical incidents in the space of a few weeks are more than enough warning.

Learners should be running towards safety, not running away from danger inside their own school.