10 Mar 2016

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Moiseraele Goya has told parliament that the situation with regard to the functionality of reprographic machines in Selebi Phikwe is not as good since five junior secondary schools do not have functional reprographics. 

He said only Meepong JSS has a machine but which often breaks down and in need of repairs. 

Mr Goya stated that as a matter of policy, the ministry has procured an industrial machine located at Selebi Phikwe Senior Secondary School for the whole Phikwe cluster but unfortunately it too is currently inoperable. 

He said the situation has been like this since 2014 with the exception of the industrial machine which was broken down last year. 

He highlighted that the non-functionality of these machines can negatively affect the teaching and learning as tests may not be prepared in time and sometimes teachers are unable to meet deadlines. 

The assistant minister said currently the nearest industrial machine which can assist with the printing of examination papers is in Matshekge Hill SSS in Bobonong. 

He said the maintenance contractor states that the industrial machine in Selebi Phikwe SSS will be back on line next week. 

Mr Goya said, in addition the ministry has awarded a contract to certified business group in December 2015 for the supply of parts for the repair of smaller photocopying machines adding that they shall expedite the maintenance of Phikwe’s machines accordingly. 

MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister to state how many junior secondary schools in Selebi Phikwe have fully functional reprographic machines or equipment and how long this has been the case. 

He further asked how the lack of these machines have affected the teaching and learning for the concerned schools and how this problem is being addressed including the timeline. Ends