11 Jun 2020

Takatokwane Village Extension Team (VET) has been praised for ensuring that all government schools and departments adhered to the COVID-19 protocols.

Speaking during a tour of Takatokwane, Maboane and Dutlwe schools on June 9, Takatokwane MP  Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe said it was rare to find an active team working  closely with the local leadership.

He therefore implored them to keep up the good spirit of cooperation and working towards achieving development.

 The Covid-19 pandemic fight, he noted, required concerted efforts and team work from all fronts to guarantee that health and safety requirements were met.

Mr Leuwe said this could only be achieved if all extension team members worked together.

The MP said he was impressed by the work done so far in preparation for phase two of reopening of schools next week.

During his visit to Takatokwane Primary School, Kweneng Bophirima Brigade and Mahupu Unified Secondary School, he said everything was in place despite some challenges brought about by social distancing which created shortage of classrooms and teachers.

He said even though all the schools had hand wash basins,  learners might catch flu due to the unavailability of hot water.

Takatokwane Primary School head Mr Kgaogano Pagiwa said social distancing created shortage of classrooms forcing the institution to introduce double shift system.

He said the school had an enrolment of 793 with 72 Standard Seven pupils.

Classes have had to be split due to social distancing requirements, he said.

Mr Pagiwa said VET was satisfied with measures taken in adherence to Covid-19 protocols noting that maintenance of toilets had been carried out while wash basins were ready with backup water tanks.

Mahupu Unified Secondary School head Mr William Mbinda said all was in place to welcome all pupils back to school.

So far 339 Form 3s and 214 Form 5s had resumed their studies against a total enrolment of 1 649.

He further said eight washing points with hand basins had been established around the school.

Mr Mbinda said at the hostels, social distancing had been achieved on the boys’ side while the problem of accommodation shortage for the girls  was being attended to.

He said preparations  for girls’ accommodation were almost complete after the ministry came on board with the provision of more space. The school would be undertaking a double shift teaching with Form 3s upwards coming mornings while the lower forms attending afternoon classes.

VET chairperson Mr Godiramodimo Kalaote promised that the team would continue to work together to ensure all protocols were adhered to for the safety of learners. Ends