The school’s infrastructure was also not geared for accommodating 500 learners more than its normal capacity. The extra learners were progressed learners from Botshabelo, and Kopanong Secondary - one of the best performing schools in the district - had to assist.

Headmaster Monnaphiri Melesi says when the Public Service Commission (PSC) then visited the school it found appalling hygiene conditions. The PSC said it found litter everywhere on the school grounds, all toilets were blocked and facilities were in a bad state. It then set up a meeting with the school and the provincial education department and made certain recommendations.

"We never had anything less than 90% (matric pass rate) and we were then asked to assist these learners. Now the problem was we are a school in the township with no security and no boarding facilities and the kids destroyed many things. Fortunately in a school setup you do not work alone – there is SGB, educators, parents and learners. We had to sit together through my leadership to find a way."

OFM News