Hon Freddy Sonakile, this morning conducted the final school readiness monitoring visit at Refentse Secondary School

Hon Freddy Sonakile, this morning conducted the final school readiness monitoring visit at Refentse Secondary School, which has shown exceptional academic progress, increasing its matric pass rate from 86% in 2023 to an impressive 96.3% in 2024.

Despite these achievements, the school faces several pressing challenges. Operating entirely out of portable structures, it struggles with overcrowded classrooms, particularly in Grade 8, as it is one of only two secondary schools serving the area. Additionally, the school has a small administrative block, an inadequate staff room, and ongoing issues with the borehole and electricity supply.

Recognizing the school’s resilience and commitment to excellence in the face of adversity, the MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, was engaged immediately. She acknowledged the province-wide backlog in school infrastructure development due to budget constraints but expressed her admiration for the school’s remarkable performance. The MEC committed to addressing urgent needs, including the construction of toilets, an expanded staff room, and the resolution of electricity and water issues as initial steps toward the long-term goal of fully building the school.

This commitment reflects the department’s dedication to supporting schools that consistently strive for excellence, even under challenging circumstances.