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Motion on review of school calender receives approval

24 Jun 2025

North West District councillors have adopted a motion requesting the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education to review school calendar and declare winter season school holiday.

They collectively agreed that winter season was challenging particularly for young children required to walk long distances to schools. They were also concerned about the safety of children walking to and from school in the dark, especially in rural areas, saying that also exposed learners to incidents of crime.

The mover of the motion, Councillor Bathokomedi Monnaatsie of Makalamabedi/ Phuduhudu stated that harsh winter conditions could also made it difficult for learners to concentrate in class, adding that the situation was worsened by shortage of classrooms in schools resulting in leaners being taught in open spaces.

“It is a pity as children, some as young as six, have to endure the biting cold to access education whereas students from universities go for vacation during winter season,” he added.

Specially elected councillor, Mr Segolame Marewa supported the motion saying exposure to cold weather could lead to health issues, noting that some parents were economically challenged to provide winter clothes for the children. Some children he said, ended up absconding because they could not withstand the weather.

Councillors also adopted a motion by Cllr Gaapale Makudinyane of Tsau/ Semboyo/ Makakung requesting the Ministry of Trade to declare the sale of all sorts of powder beer as traditional beer under regulation 12.1 of Traditional Beer Regulations.

He said it was unfortunate that Chibuku powder and King corn powder were not regulated even though many people in rural areas where employment opportunities were limited, were making a living from its sales. He said traditional leaders would continue to play their role in regulating the sales as it was the status quo with  brewing of other traditional beer.

Of the 33 councillors, only Cllr Nico Folae of Samedupi/ Chanoga was against the motion arguing that currently, relevant authorities were battling to contain the mushrooming of shebeens in villages. Such shebeens, he said, were not adhering to stipulated operating hours as they sold all sorts of traditional beer day and night, adding that criminal activities were also committed at these shebeens.

“We cannot request the government to add more powder beers to be sold because we have observed that shebeens fuel crimes such as assaults, rape and theft among others,” he added.

The majority of councillors who supported the motion lamented that many people sold traditional beer for sustenance, noting that the move could also help reduce numbers of destitute persons that were cared for by the council. Another motion requested the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to standardise and categorise food baskets for destitute persons per regions ranging between P800 to P1 500.

They said the current food basket allowance provided was insufficient to meet the basic needs of beneficiaries as food prices were high and some ended up incurring debts to earn a decent living. Currently, destitute persons are given P700 for food basket and cash component of P550 to argument the food basket. ENDS

Source : BOPA

Author : Esther Mmolai

Location : Maun

Event : Full council meeting

Date : 24 Jun 2025