06 Jun 2019

Councillors have suggested that Makalamabedi Junior Secondary School be administered by both the Central and North West districts.

This followed  Maun Administration Authority (MAA) education committee report on challenges at the school.

The report indicates that although Makalamabedi JSS falls under the Central District, the majority of pupils are from the North West District.

Some councillors were of the view that a junior school should be established at Shorobe to absorb pupils from Shorobe and such surrounding villages such as Matsaudi, Sankoyo and Mababe, who are currently absorbed by Makalamabedi JSS, while some suggested dual administration of the school or that the administration of the junior school be handed to the North West District.

On behalf of the education committee, Councillor Nico Folae had briefed the ongoing MAA meeting that Makalamabedi JSS was overdue for renovation.

Mr Folae said the school, which  was built is 1991, had only been renovated once in its lifetime and said it had many challenges such as the poor state of classrooms and boarding facilities as well as worn out furniture.

He said the school management decried shortage of classrooms as some pupils were taught outside as well as shortage of staff accommodation.

Mr Folae therefore said the committee recommended that the school be administered from the North West District Council since the Central District was far. 

He noted that the school had about 432 pupils, with the majority of the pupils coming from the North West District.

Boyei’s Councillor Ntlogelang Kebonyekgotla was of the view that the North West District should consider building a junior School in Shorobe to cater for it and surrounding villages, which contributed about 90 per cent of pupils at Makalamabedi.

Bodibeng/Bothatogo’s  Councillor Morefemong Matsimanyana said the two districts should consider dual administration of the school as a solution. 

Sedie Councillor Kaukapita Kaukapita suggested that the Central District be engaged to find out the cause of failure to upkeep Makalamabedi JSS.

The MAA vice chairperson, Mr Vepaune Moreti also suggested that the two districts meet to discuss the solution.

The MAA, senior assistant council secretary, Ms Mogomotsi Seemule advised that all the suggested solutions be communicated with the concerned parties to seek a lasting solution. ENDS