10 Dec 2025

The current provision to admit learners from Mokobaxane into boarding is on request, but priority is always given to Form 3 pupils, learners living with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children. 

Parliament learnt on Monday that learners from Mokobaxane travelled approximately 14km to and from Mopipi Junior Secondary School, daily. Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Nono Kgafela-Mokoka said Mopipi JSS, as a boarding school, had a boarding capacity of 184; 92 boys and 92 girls, but had stretched it to 307; 144 boys and 163 girls. 

She said Kedia was the furthest catchment, contributing 71.7 per cent or 223 of the boarding learners. 

Mokobaxane follows with 64 boarding learners or 20.8 per cent, Ms Kgafela-Mokoka said, adding that, the numbers further explained why all learners from Manthabakwe and Mopipi primary schools in Mopipi were admitted as day scholars. 

She therefore, said the ministry advocated and continued to implement satellite schools thus reducing the distance travelled by learners in standard one to four. 

She said funds permitting, Mopipi JSS, would be considered for hostel expansion to accommodate learners from Mokobaxane and other nearby areas. Minister Mokoka-Kgafela said this year alone, 132 learners from Mokobaxane rejected boarding after being offered space, 123 rejected it immediately and nine opted out later indicating that they preferred to commute to school. 

Regarding academic performance, she said the school was generally performing at below average to average over the past years, and students from Mokobaxane consistently outperformed those from other villages. 

Boteti West MP, Mr Sam Digwa had asked the minister if she was aware that students from Mokobaxane travelled approximately 14km to and from Mopipi JSS. 

He wanted the minister to state the impact this long commute had on the students’ academic performance and their right to access quality education, as well as interventions in place. ENDS