The North West District Council has unanimously passed a motion requesting the Ministry of Basic Education and Child Welfare to review school calendar and have school holidays adjusted to the winter season.
The motion was brought forward by Councillor for Makalamabedi-Phuduhudu, Bathokomedi Monnaatsie, who suggested that schools be shut during the coldest months, especially that they currently do not have enough classrooms exposing learners to the harsh weather conditions.
“Every morning, we see young kids walking by the road side, freezing in this winter season and that needs to be corrected,” he lamented as he debated his motion.
Supporting the motion, specially elected councillor, Segolame Marewa expressed concern over children’s vulnerability to common colds and flu during the chilly mornings.
“Winter exposes students to harsh conditions—they wake up early, and ba kokonelwa (they get chilled),” he noted.
Councillor for Bojanala Ward, Monopane Namanga echoed the concerns but proposed a more defined adjustment: schools should close for the months of June and July. He pointed out that winter is one of the longest seasons and argued that it poses similar health risks to those of the rainy season, warranting a re-evaluation of the calendar.
During its recent sitting, the North West District Council has also unanimously adopted other two motions aimed at improving social welfare and governance.
The motions, which will also be forwarded to the relevant ministries for consideration, include an appeal for an increment in food basket allowances for destitute persons, and a proposal for the power of attorney—currently held solely by the council secretary to be shared with the Executive Committee.
About a motion regarding the powers granted to the council secretary, several members expressed concern that the current structure gives “too much power” to one officer, potentially opening doors for abuse. The proposal calls for the involvement of the Executive Committee in critical decisions to ensure transparency and accountability, especially on sensitive matters like procurement and contracts.
Meanwhile, Council Chairperson, Itumeleng Kelebetseng has called for standardised and increment for the value of food baskets provided to destitute persons. He proposed that food assistance be categorised regionally and range between P800 and P1500 to reflect rising costs of living.
“The amount they are currently receiving is simply not enough to meet even the most basic needs,” Kelebetseng said.
For his part, Concillor for Kareng-Xhorotshaa, Keapoletswe Keapoletswe backed the motion, stating, “food prices have skyrocketed, and the current basket only covers a few essential items.”
Adding to that, specially elected Councillor, Kedibonye Kgari suggested that the Smart Switch programme be expanded to allow recipients to purchase from vendors of their choice rather than being limited to specific outlets.
“These vendors where smart Switch is used seems to be liaising with one another to increase their prices on a daily basis because only a handful of items that do not even meet the needs of these people are bought from their businesses,” said Kgari.
Councillor for Kgosing-Kubung, Magonamo Mmolainyane applauded the motion, noting that P600 is grossly insufficient, particularly for beneficiaries in remote areas far from Maun.
The motions will be carried forward to the relevant ministries for consideration. The council’s calls highlight growing concern about student welfare, administrative transparency, and the cost of living for the vulnerable in the North West region.
