By Thapelo Molefe
Nearly 100 high school learners in the North West missed the first days of the 2026 academic year after their parents withdrew them from Kagiso Barolong Secondary School over transport concerns, prompting an urgent appeal from Education MEC Viola Motsumi for learners to return to class.
The North West Department of Education confirmed that parents of 99 learners from Moshawane Village removed their children from Kagiso Barolong Secondary School in Logageng Village following the reopening of schools. The learners, all in Grades 10, 11 and 12, were instead taken to Tsoseletso Primary School in Moshawane, despite it not offering secondary-level education.
As a result, the affected learners have received no formal teaching for the first three days of the school term. The department said Tsoseletso Primary School does not have secondary school teachers, nor do the learners have access to their textbooks, stationery or other learning materials.
The parents’ decision was driven by concerns about the daily travel learners must undertake between the two villages. The department acknowledged these concerns and said it is exploring interventions to address the transportation challenges.
In a media statement issued on Monday, MEC Motsumi expressed deep concern over the situation, warning that the disruption places learners’ academic futures at risk.
“I am deeply troubled that learners were withdrawn from a school with secondary school teachers and taken to a school with primary school teachers,” Motsumi said.
“Such actions place these learners at risk of academic failure.”
Motsumi said the withdrawal comes at a time when the province is seeking to build on recent academic successes.
Just last week, the North West Class of 2025 achieved a pass rate of 88.49% in the NSC exams.
“It is important that we sustain this positive performance,” she said. “I cannot allow actions that compromise the future of our children.”
The MEC appealed directly to parents to allow learners to return to Kagiso Barolong Secondary School while discussions continue to find a long-term solution to the transport issue.
“I therefore plead with parents to allow learners to return to school while we, as adults, work together to find a lasting solution to the problem,” she said, adding that she is confident the department and parents will reach common ground.
In a further development, Motsumi confirmed that the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has replaced the previous scholar transport service provider with a new company. The move, she said, is aimed at ensuring that learners arrive at school on time and travel safely.
The department reiterated that keeping learners out of properly resourced schools undermines their right to education and urged parents to prioritise uninterrupted learning as engagements continue.
INSIDE EDUCATION
