There was chaos at the UMthambeka, Primary School in Thembisa, when parents tried to force their way into the school after a ceiling collapsed on learners this morning. It's reported that the incident took place during the first period of the day inside a grade 6 classroom.

Gauteng Emergency Services were called to the school by parents who gathered at the school premises to help rescue their kids. The Department of Basic Education in Gauteng confirmed that 18 Grade 6 learners from the school sustained injuries when the ceiling fell on them. Two learners are still in a critical condition but they are recovering at a local medical facility while others are recuperating at home, the department confirmed. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he is deeply concerned. Chiloane said the cause of the incident is uncertain at this stage. "As such, we have launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding this incident. Further information will be acquired from the School Management Team (SMT), School Governing Body (SGB) and the district accordingly," he said.

The MEC further said that their psycho-social support team will be dispatched to the school to conduct necessary counselling to those affected. "We are indeed concerned by the occurrence of this incident and find it unfortunate that our children were injured in such a manner at school. We would like to wish all affected learners a speedy recovery. Furthermore, we call upon SGB members to always be vigilant of challenges faced by their schools and report them to the department for necessary attention," said the MEC.