The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has deployed a team to investigate what spurred violent clashes between learners at a Durban school on Tuesday.
Learning was halted at Asherville's Centenary Secondary School after groups of learners turned on each other.
Just after 9am, various private security companies attended to calls of fights breaking out between learners.
Although unconfirmed, it is alleged that the fights stemmed from an apparent racial incident at the school.
The DoE confirmed that learners had been hospitalised.
According to a message circulating via social media, one of the injured learners required surgery after his nose was broken in a fight.
DoE spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, said the department has deployed officials to the school to gather facts and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including the school management, educators, learners, and parents.
"The department is also working closely with law enforcement authorities to ensure accountability for those responsible for instigating or escalating the violence are held accountable," he said.
Mahlambi said the department's priority is to restore calm and provide necessary support to affected learners.
"The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and take decisive action in collaboration with all stakeholders to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
"Acts of violence and discrimination are unacceptable in our schools, as they undermine the core values of respect, tolerance, and unity that we seek to instill in our learners," he said.