Selebi-Phikwe schools shine academically amidst resource shortages
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 30, 2025 06:00
This was revealed during a recent full council meeting, where councillors were presented with the Urban Development Committee (UDC) report covering the first quarter of 2025 (January to March). The report highlights that all six junior secondary schools in the township attained over 50% pass rates. Notably, Moepong, Makhubu, and Phatsimo junior secondary schools earned national recognition by ranking amongst the top 20 performers. Moepong secured third position, Makhubu followed closely at fourth, and Phatsimo came in at 20th place. The other junior secondary schools in the area include Mojamorago, Boikhutso, and Lebogang.
Equally commendable, Selebi-Phikwe Senior Secondary School was ranked sixth nationally, an achievement reflecting strong academic efforts across the town. However, these academic milestones are being undermined by a widespread shortage of essential resources. According to the UDC report, all schools are struggling with limited supplies of desks, chairs, tables, duplicating paper, and functional photocopying machines. “These shortages severely disrupt the administration of tests and assessments,” the report states. Furthermore, the report notes that teacher accommodation remains a pressing issue. Many teachers are forced to share housing, which affects their overall morale and productivity, the report indicates. In addition, it also stated that financial constraints have hindered efforts to resolve these challenges. In some instances schools have resorted to self-help strategies, such as asking parents to buy notebooks for their children. It continued: 'However, this measure is often unpopular and unsustainable. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) funds, where available, are occasionally used to procure basic stationery.' Still, in the report, it says these contributions are insufficient to address the broader infrastructure and resource deficits.
Meanwhile, the town’s 11 primary schools are also facing difficulties, particularly with the Supplementary Feeding Programme. “The termination of a non-performing samp supplier contract led to significant delays in meeting nutritional targets. Extended shortages of beans and samp, caused by late deliveries and supplier failures have further disrupted meal plans, forcing schools to serve unbalanced meals,” the report pointed out. In addition, it highlighted that the lack of stewing beef also created relish shortages, resulting in a higher reliance on vegetables and increased food expenditure.
As part of interventions, they order using Bobirwa District Council Tender whilst awaiting their tender and waiting for the supply. According to the report, they will continue to engage the supplier and monitor the supplier performance and enforce relevant contract clauses and implement contingency plans such as diversifying suppliers in future to reduce risks. Furthermore, according to the report, they ensured weekly stock monitoring and rationalisation of food items in all school to balance out consumption rate.