Tornado: resilient Seatides School community celebrates return to rebuilt classrooms

AFTER a devastating tornado destroyed large parts of Seatides Combined School in 2024, pupils and staff finally returned to their rebuilt classrooms.

Despite operating from prefabricated units for over a year, the school community persevered and has now rebuilt better than before - adding new facilities like a community hall.

Pupils described the return as 'amazing' while celebrating last year's academic achievements despite challenging conditions.

Linges Moodley, a member of the School Governing Body (SGB), described the first day back at school as “an emotional moment for families and pupils”.

“The prefab classrooms ensured that learning and teaching continued after the devastating tornado. Thankfully the school never shut down completely.

“Returning to their classrooms today (Wednesday), the pupils are really excited.”

Moodley added this moment was especially meaningful for their matric pupils. 

“My son is in Grade 12 this year. I am so glad that he is completing matric in the main school. As part of the SGB, we were on top of the progress of rebuilding the school, and we are very glad it happened in 2026.

“We were only out of the school for a year and a half. To have gone through this mammoth task in such a short period, we take our hats off to the SGB chairperson and the school for the doors opening today.”

Moodley said that not all the structures could be salvaged after the tornado.

The damaged foundation phase block has been condemned and fenced off due to structural concerns.

“Unfortunately, the structure cannot be rebuilt. We did not get any help from the department of education. What we achieved was through sponsorships,” Moodley said.

She added that the  foundation phase pupils would be accommodated in the school’s main building.

SGB treasurer Desiree Singh said rebuilding the school placed enormous strain on the community.

“Rebuilding the school in such a short period of time put strain on the community, the SGB, parents and our pupils. We managed to get this far through sponsorships and using whatever we had in our reserves which is now depleted,” she said.

Singh made a plea for continued support for the school. 

“We make a huge plea to the community to come forward for sponsorships and to pay their school fees. While the school is now habitable, there is still a lot that needs to be done.”

Singh said the rebuilding process also brought improvements, including a newly built hall. 

“We did not just bring the school back to the way it was - we elevated it. The hall will help us generate income through hiring it out for community functions, awards days and events. This will help us replenish the school’s depleted coffers,” said Singh. 

Pupils described the return to ‘proper classrooms’ as a major relief.

Matric pupil Shiv Subrayen said: “It feels amazing to return to the classroom after one and a half years of learningin a prefab. We went through quite a lot, but our teachers backed us all the way. The prefabs were crowded and the heat was difficult, but the school tried its best to make us comfortable.”

Head girl Damaris Sivigobind said returning to the main school symbolised resilience. 

“We were grateful for what we had, but it really was difficult. Being back here shows that even though we went through so much, we are able to concentrate better and learn better. We are hoping for a 100% pass rate this year and for growth, not just academically, but in character as well.”

Grade 10 pupil Karuna Sookdeo said conditions in the prefab classrooms were challenging. 

“It was really hot, dark and cramped. Now I am looking forward to being back in classrooms, seeing my friends and making new ones,” she said.

Acting principal Ruvandhiran Naidoo said the reopening went smoothly despite their initial anxiety.

“We were all excited but also a bit anxious. This morning unfolded really well. Our SGB members were stationed at the gate, and everything was well controlled. We are aiming for a 100% pass rate this year.” 

Top achievers from the matric class of 2025 also reflected on the journey. 

Aryan Dhani, who achieved six distinctions, said he was happy for current pupils. 

“It was really hard learning in the heat inside the prefab classrooms. I am happy that they now get to experience learning in proper classrooms,” said Dhani, who hopes to study medicine at UKZN.

Neha Ghela, who achieved seven distinctions, echoed the sentiment.

“It was a very stressful year with the extreme heat and cold in the prefabs. I am really happy the school has been rebuilt and pupils are back in proper classrooms,” she said.

Neha plans to study accounting at UKZN.

Sienna Moodley, who also obtained  seven distinctions, encouraged current matric pupils to remain consistent. 

“Do not put too much pressure on yourself. All that matters is doing the best you can,” she said. She will be studying actuarial science at the University of Pretoria.

Another top achiever, Uthando Mjeso, said support played a key role in his success.

“Despite the challenges, I had a very good support system – my family, classmates and teachers. They believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves,” she said.

Mjeso plans to study actuarial science at UCT.

The POST