05 Nov 2015

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has officially opened Legothwana Primary School in the Ngami Sub-district  recently.

  Officiating at the event, Minister Tsogwane applauded the community of Legothwana who started the school on a voluntary basis in 1979.

The school was operated by the community from 1979 to 1996, but closed in 1997 after the Ngamiland District was hard hit by the Cattle Lung Disease (CBPP) in 1996. The school was then re-opened in 2007 under the government.

Minister Tsogwane said the people of Legothwane were a true reflection of a patriotic people who have a duty to their nation.

He thanked the current teachers for sacrificing to teach at a school which has tented classrooms and teachers' quarters and yet produced good results.

The minister said his ministry was committed to help the school although Legothwana remained ungazzeted. 

For her part, the school’s Parents Teacher Association (PTA) chairperson, Ms Oatweng Modisane lamented that the tent facilities in their school were not conducive for teaching and living as they became very cold in winter and unbearably hot in summer. 

She noted that the school required permanent structures to improve teachers and pupils learning conditions.

However, Ms Modisane said it was worth appreciating government efforts in providing resources such as teachers and stationery over the years.

A former pupil, Ms Keromang Nyame narrated that the school was formed by a group of six men.

She said the men provided their services on a voluntary basis with a meager charge of P0.35 but at times went unpaid due to the people’s poor conditions.

Ms Nyame noted that the school was recognised by the North West District Council (NWDC) in 1986 and participated in inter-school activities and had Tirelo Sechaba participants.

The school head, Ms Gakeolathe Maphane said the first batch of Standard Seven of 2012 made 72 per cent pass while those of 2014 scored 78 per cent pass, which shows progress over the years.

Ms Maphane said commitment and team work among the teachers together with the Legothwana community were the pillars for their progressive results. She added that the school had no sports facilities, but excelled in various sports codes and managed to reach the national level. Ends