25 Aug 2026

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education is experiencing increased enrolments across its boarding schools, says the assistant Minister Mr Justin Hunyepa. Answering a question in Parliament, Mr Hunyepa said John Nswazi was also overcrowded, with boarding facilities built at a carrying capacity of 48. He said following the modification of two verandas on both girls and boys’ hostels, the capacity increased to 64. Mr Hunyepa also said to maximise space, cupboards for students had been removed to allow students to use mattresses on the floor, therefore accommodating 15 learners per room instead of eight. “Therefore, a total of 224 learners are accommodated in a hostel capacity of 128,” Mr Hunyepa said. Mr Hunyepa also said hostel ablution were fully functioning with the only challenge of four pit latrines and two showers in both boys and girls’ hostels, which he said was not enough to accommodate the boarding population, leading to students bathing outside to manage time. He said his ministry has played a critical role in improving the living conditions of the learners and that the situation would be monitored going forward and closing the hostels was not a viable option at the moment as it would disadvantage learners and deny them their right to education. Mr Hunyepa was answering a question from Nkange MP Mr Motlhaleemang Moalosi, who had asked if the minister was aware of the living condition and accommodation challenges at John Nswazi Junior Secondary School, and if he would consider closing the hostels until the situation had been resolved.ENDS