The MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, conducted an oversight visit to refurbished storm-damaged schools in the Capricorn North Education District as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to ensure safe and conducive learning environments for learners and educators.
The MEC visited Mashianoke Primary and Botsikana Secondary School at Mashashane village. The purpose of the visit was to assess the condition and maintenance of reconstructed facilities and to engage with school management on challenges affecting teaching and learning.
Mashianoke Primary School, which has an enrolment of 253 learners is among the schools that were previously severely affected by storms. The Department has since intervened by constructing two fully furnished blocks consisting of 9 classrooms. In addition, 2 of the 4 previously dilapidated blocks were demolished while the remaining two were renovated to improve infrastructure and create a safer learning environment.
The school continues to excel beyond infrastructure improvements, having secured Position 1 in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and Position 2 provincially, reflecting its commitment to learner wellbeing and effective programme implementation.
The MEC proceeded to Botsikana Secondary School, located a few kilometres away to inspect newly refurbished infrastructure. The school has an enrolment of 324 learners for the 2026 academic year. Infrastructure upgrades at the school include six fully furnished blocks, each comprising of 3 classrooms, as well as four blocks of sanitation facilities to improve hygiene and learner safety.
During her visit, MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya also engaged with Grade 12 learners, encouraging them to remain focused on their academic responsibilities. She emphasised the importance of consistent studying, discipline and reading to improve academic performance. The MEC further advised learners to avoid distractions, including involvement in romantic relationships and to prioritise their education as they prepare for the National Senior Certificate examinations.
“The Department remains committed to rebuilding and maintaining school infrastructure to ensure that no learner is deprived of quality education due to unsafe or damaged facilities. We also urge learners to make full use of these improved learning environments by dedicating themselves to their studies,” said MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.
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