Picture: Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 January 2026- The North West Department of Education confirmed that Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke is fully operational after its official handover on 3 December 2025. The department said the new school is now accepting learners and delivering curriculum and nutrition to the local learners from the community.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the school currently accommodated 956 learners, including Grade R. Motsumi said the school was opened to reduce overcrowding at the neighbouring primary schools.
“As a Quintile 1 school, Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary is enrolled in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), confirming learners receive both breakfast and lunch each school day. This support by the department targets to improve class attendance, concentration and overall learning outcomes for children from low-income households.
“Through establishing a sound governance and compliance, the school management team (SMT) has appointed a temporary School Governing Body (SGB) and finalised official registration through the Education Management Information System (EMIS),” she said.
Motsumi further said they appreciate the efforts of the school, as these steps secure the school’s administration and enable access to departmental support and reporting systems. She added that the department will carry on to monitor the school’s progress, support the establishment of a permanent SGB through democratic elections and work with stakeholders to address any operational needs.
“We further call the community members and parents to engage with school leadership to support learners’ academic and social development.
The department will continue to monitor the school’s progress, support the
establishment of a permanent SGB through democratic elections, and work with stakeholders to address any operational needs.
“Parents and community members are encouraged to engage effectively with school leadership to support learner’s academics and social development,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 