Public schools have opened today as authorities intensify efforts to deal with ongoing classroom shortages across the country. In Kweneng District, the challenge remains visible, with several schools struggling to provide adequate learning spaces for growing enrolments.
Kweneng District Council Chairman Ontefetse Rankhibidu says Bokaa Primary School continues to teach 10 classes outside due to a lack of classrooms. The situation highlights the pressure faced by public schools as demand increases each year.
Rankhibidu was speaking during a handover ceremony of a new classroom block donated by Probability Plant Hire Pty Ltd. He said the additional classrooms will provide some relief to the school and improve learning conditions for both pupils and teachers.
He noted that the problem extends beyond Bokaa Primary School. According to Rankhibidu, about 40 schools across Kweneng District are ageing and are no longer able to meet current demand. Many of these schools were built years ago and were not designed to accommodate present population growth.
Education authorities are now working with partners from the private sector to bridge the infrastructure gap. Donations such as the Bokaa classroom block are seen as part of a broader effort to support government initiatives aimed at improving school facilities.
As learners return to classrooms today, the focus remains on accelerating construction projects and refurbishing old school infrastructure. District leadership says addressing classroom shortages is critical to ensuring quality education and reducing the need for outdoor teaching, especially during extreme weather conditions.
The situation in Kweneng District reflects a wider national challenge, with education planners under pressure to expand infrastructure while maintaining standards. Authorities say continued collaboration with stakeholders will be key to meeting the needs of learners in the coming years.
