Picture: North West Department of Education engages Makgori residents/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
19 March 2026- The North West Department of Education delegation engaged the community members and parents of Makgori village, near Mahikeng, following concerns raised about the state of infrastructure and the shortage of teachers at Makgori Primary School on 17 March 2026. The concerns raised by parents and community members led to the temporary closure of the school over the past two weeks which disrupted teaching and learning.
During the meeting, the departmental delegation paid attention to the community’s concerns and provided clarity on the measurable steps to be taken to address the challenges raised. The department in the meeting assured the community of Makgori that the issue of the shortage of teachers will be addressed to ensure that teaching and learning continue without further disruption.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “It was indicated that the school is currently experiencing a shortage of a [NSTech] Natural Sciences and Technology teacher. Measures are being put in place to fill the teacher’s vacancy so that learners receive the necessary academic support for term one of 2026.
“As part of a lesson recovery plan, learners will also be provided with extra classes to recover the teaching and learning time that was lost during the two weeks in which the school was not operational. The Multi Grade option will be used as a measure to assist in closing the gap in the time lost.”
Motsumi further said on the matter of the dilapidated infrastructure, her department informed the community of Makgori that a maintenance contractor has already been appointed. She added that the maintenance contractor will be formally and officially introduced to the community and parents at the beginning of the 2026/27 financial year to undertake major renovations aimed at improving the condition of the school infrastructure.
“I want to assure the community that, as the department, we are fully aware of their challenges. I have delegated a team of officials to address these issues. We will ensure that the school implements a catch-up plan to mitigate the loss of teaching and learning time.
“Learners are expected to return to school after missing a period of two weeks,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 