An oversight visit at various schools by members of the provincial legislature revealed infrastructure concerns that may impede the quality of education.

All learner and teacher support materials were delivered to schools but members of the DA in the province noted “major concerns, specifically with school infrastructure, safety, and security”, said North West DA Education spokesperson CJ Steyl.

“Problems were also noted with the national school nutrition programme, overcrowding of classrooms, lack of internet connectivity, nonexistent science and computer labs, and unsuitable ablution facilities.”

He added “significant issues” were found with the implementation of Grade R classes. Many schools do offer Grade R, but lack facilities to meet the particular needs of children aged four to five.

North West public schools don’t experience any challenges to admit Grade Rs and Grade 1s, said North West department of education spokesperson Mphatha Molokwane. “The main challenge appears in schools that admit Grade 8 learners … as the department has (less) secondary schools than primary schools.”

Two districts have not been affected by placement issues. In Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati all learners have been placed in all grades, he said.

New ablution facilities at Geysdorp Secondary School have not yet been connected. Photo supplied

The districts with unplaced learners are:

• Bojanala has 535 unplaced Grade 8 learners, the only grade experiencing challenges.
• Ngaka Modiri Molema has 380 unplaced Grade 8 learners in the Mahikeng area and 120 Grade Rs.

The DA visited various schools during their School Readiness 2025 oversight assessments. At Geysdorp Secondary School they observed overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated and unsuitable ablution facilities, and unhygienic food storage alongside stationery.

At Kelebogile Primary School in Doornlaagte, north of Delareyville, they observed problems with dysfunctional ablution facilities. The school has a library but no books. A total of 42 learners have been cramped into the Grade R class which should only have 25 pupils.

A 2023 report by the SA Human Rights Commission detailed the infrastructure challenges in North West schools, including overcrowding, which was noted as a concern for qualitative outcomes in the education system.

The school library with no books at Kelebogile Primary School in Doornlaagte. Photo supplied

The department blamed an influx of foreign nationals and budgetary constraints, and asked that additional resources be allocated.

“On the issue of undocumented learners, schools may need to allocate additional resources, such as teachers, classroom space, and materials,” said Molokwane.

The DA plans to engage the provincial department of education to address the concerns and limit overcrowding by providing mobile classrooms and upgrading facilities. It will also demand that the department review the implementation of the school nutrition programme.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg