18 Jun 2025

Schools across the Mogoditshane/Thamaga district are facing a mounting crisis as food supply shortages and inadequate transport threaten the health, attendance, and performance of pupils, particularly those with special needs.

Speaking at Mogoditshane-Thamaga District full council session on Monday, the council chairperson, Mr Molatedi Selala presented a worrying picture of the situation.

“Learners are currently being served only bread, tea and beef due to lack of funding for staple foods such as sorghum, samp, beans and milk,” he said stating that suppliers have not been paid since April this year and this has led to the suspension of lunch programmes in several schools. 

“This has caused major disruptions to daily school routines, particularly students from vulnerable backgrounds who depend on school meals as a key source of daily nutrition,” he said.

Transport challenges he said, had further compounded the crisis. The Special Education Unit has reportedly been the hardest hit, with many of its dedicated transport vehicles grounded due to mechanical breakdowns. 

He stated that this has led to prolonged absenteeism among learners with disabilities, effectively denying them the education they were entitled to.

“We are actively working on outsourcing transport to bridge the gap and ensure that no learner is left behind,” Mr Selala assured.

Meanwhile, on other education related matters, the council chairperson stated that the district recently hosted President Advocate Duma Boko at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School for the official launch of the government’s sanitary pads initiative on June 2. The initiative he said aimed to provide menstrual hygiene products to both primary and secondary school girls, enhancing their school attendance and dignity.

The council chairperson announced that the district council had officially taken over the responsibility of Primary Health Care (PHC) services, marking a major shift in healthcare delivery aimed at improving access and accountability at the local level.

“This is a transformative step that empowers councils to be more responsive and accountable to the health needs of their communities,” said Mr Selala.

So far, 18 facilities, personnel, ambulances, and utility vehicles have now been integrated under the council. 

While the transition presented budgetary and logistical challenges, Selala expressed confidence in the district’s ability to create a resilient and efficient system.

“We must be innovative and committed. It will be hard, but the rewards will be worth it,” he said. ENDS