According to North West Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi, a group of people who were allegedly protesting water shortages in the area, disrupted proceedings in the Ngotoane Secondary, Messega Primary, Babuseng Primary, RB Dithupe Primary, and DP Moloto Special School. 

According to Malindi, learners were forced out of classes by protesters. This after the allegations that a group of people threatened teachers who were at schools on Tuesday, before the protest action.

Malindi said MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, condemned the disruption that took place at those schools.

“MEC Motsumi urged law enforcement agencies to take action against perpetrators and that the law should take its own course against those who violated the constitution. MEC Motsumi further engaged with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Executive Mayor, Councillor Khumalo Molefe, to attend to the issue of water in the area. The department is continuing to make engagements with the South African Police Services (SAPS) towards the arrest of these individuals,” he said.

Malindi further added that the first day of the 2023 academic year was a success in the province, despite disruptions that took place at those five schools.

“MEC Motsumi successfully monitored the reopening of schools at Dirang Primary School in Klipgat near Mabopane and Swartrrugens Intermediate School in Swartrrugens. She was pleased with the teacher and learner attendance,” added Malindi.

According to Malindi, Motsumi also visited the old and vandalised Tirelong Secondary School structures to investigate the background of the school. Learners of the school were relocated to three nearby mega farm schools last year.

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