18 Feb 2021

Challenges encountered in primary schools in the Selebi Phikwe West constituency include frequent break-downs of reprographics machines.

Responding to a question in Parliament on Wednesday, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Sethabelo Modukanele explained that this was because the machines were overworked, irregularly maintained and take longer to receive parts for repairs from suppliers.

He said in most cases, there were budgeting constraints to replace old equipment, adding that ‘non functionality of the equipment negatively affects the operations, learning and teaching at the schools.’

Mr Modukanele also told Parliament that from time to time, the Selibe-Phikwe Town Council outsourced maintenance and servicing of the machines.

“Schools are also encouraged to share the available functional machines while others are waiting to be repaired and maintained,” he said.

Furthermore, the assistant minister said schools through PTAs were encouraged to seek alternative ways, including private sector support and adopt a school initiative to facilitate regular maintenance and servicing of reprographic equipment and facilities.

He stated that seven primary schools namely; Boswelakgomo, Joseph Anderson, Lapologang, Phikwe, Reuben Mpabanga, Segomotso and Tebogo in Selibe Phikwe West Constituency had reprographics machines.

All the seven schools, he said, have photocopying machines and printers except scanners. In addition, he said out of the seven, three schools, Tebogo, Joseph Anderson and Phikwe had fully functional photocopying machines and photocopiers. Four schools require maintenance, he added.

“The printers are functional in six schools, while the one at Tebogo Primary School needs to be maintained,” he said.

Selebi-Phikwe West legislator, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked him to state the number and names of primary schools in Selebi Phikwe West that had been equipped with fully functional reprographics facilities with scanning, photography, xerography and digital printing capabilities.

MP Keorapetse also wanted the minister to explain challenges encountered by the schools and how they affected teaching and learning as well as how the challenges were addressed. Ends