02 Feb 2017

Residents of Sojwe in Kweneng District have reiterated their call over the dire need for the basic education minister to visit Matsheng schools to make assessment on the schools’ deplorable status and help restore the declined academic performance.

Sojwe VDC chairperson, Mr Noni Kebatlotle decried the appalling state of affair at Sojwe primary and Matsheng junior schools.

He said the two schools were in a bad state, an environment not conducive for learning and required higher authorities’ intervention, especially at the junior school in order to get firsthand information about what he termed ‘pathetic situation.’

Residents bemoaned the fact that buildings were dilapidated with worn-out furniture that had long required replacement and refurbishment of structures, adding that several pleas had been made to the relevant education officials but no action had been taken.

Ms Omphemetse Botsoba echoed the same sentiments of Mr Kebatlotle charging that it was difficult to expect improvement in the academic performance when serious challenges were negatively impacting on the learning environment.

Ms Botsoba called for modification of youth programmes to attract young people instead of fighting for Social Safety Nets with the elderly.

She further called for other programme implementers to roll-out government assistance programmes to communities in rural areas adding that only LIMID programmes had benefited the area.

The Sojwe Primary school PTA chairperson, Mr Mmualefhe also raised concern over shortage of stationery in the school and the dilapidating school structure, which had existed nine years without any maintenance undertaken.

Meanwhile, Molepolole/Lentsweletau Administrative Authority (MAA) assistant council secretary, Mr Douglas Sesimanyana concurred with residents over delayed supply of stationery stating that the problem was not peculiar to Sojwe primary school but common in almost all schools in the area.

He told the meeting that the supplying of stationery was affected by a protest against an outcome of a tender by one of the contractors, thus causing immense delay, since the procedure was that he had to be given audience.

He however told the meeting that they were working towards assisting schools despite challenges hindering processes.

Among issues raised by Kgosi Hube of Sojwe included, the establishment of the Gaghoo Mine saying it had not benefited Sojwe community as far as employment creation is concerned.

He said they had hoped to benefit from the establishment since it operated from their area but nothing was coming forth.

He further highlighted that the under resourced Sojwe police was overwhelmed by cases of stock theft, prevalent in the area.

He cited the issue as serious and worrisome, and expressed disappointment that the alleged perpetrators, who are habitual offenders, were constantly being freed on bail and they ultimately repeat similar offences.

He reiterated his plea over the delayed promise to secure office furniture for Sojwe Tribal Office.

The furniture, he said, was supposed to be part of the office project handing over in 1997.

He said several attempts were made with Tribal Administration office but in vain.

The Member of Parliament for Letlhakeng Lephephe, Mr Liakat Kablay concurred with Sojwe community about the situation at Matsheng Junior School, adding that it was important for the education minister to prioritise her visits to schools.

He noted that it would be difficult to expect miracles in regard to academic performance, particularly in an unconducive learning environment.

MP Kablay assured the meeting about the government’s intention to develop lives of Matsheng community and called for patience as they were likely to benefit from the coming National budget.

The government has the welfare of communities at heart and people should not despair, he added.

The MP encouraged farmers to constantly monitor fields to help increase output which could help government reduce some of the Social Safety Nets provided. BOPA