Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 July 2025- The North West Department of Education has described allegations of ill-treatment of Grade 12 learners who are attending winter camps at Lerona Secondary School in Christiana as incongruous. This comes after some unknown individual alleged that there is a lot happening ‘behind closed doors’ at the camps.
The individual further alleged that, since they arrived there, they are not able to go to the ablution facilities because they are in depraved condition. The individual said a lot of female learners have been ill for the past few days suffering from infections.
“Some of these learners are not even attending to or being taken to a clinic for medical attention. Food handlers in the kitchen do not promote safe food handling practices. When we try to raise the matter, we are being pushed away like dogs.
“Also, we are being threatened of being expelled if we raise our concerns. So, we call on parents or guardians for help because we are even being fed rotten food. We are being subjected to inhumane treatment and nothing has been done.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge these allegations and wish to confirm that the accusations of abuse are unfounded. Molokwane said the department is responsible for providing comprehensive training to food handlers to promote safe food handling practices.
“Regarding the issue of sanitation facilities, the department has dispatched a team to assess the situation and the latest report indicates that there are no current issues. The department sincerely prioritizes the health and well-being of learners and remains committed to ensuring that teaching and learning take place in a safe and conducive environment,” he said.
The Guardian 