Botha-Bothe, Jan. 27 — While schools across the country gathered to mark the “Back to School” event as mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training, the district of Botha-Bothe chose to celebrate the day with Malefiloane Primary School.
Located in the outskirts of Botha-Bothe, Malefiloane Primary School currently has 288 enrolled students, with seven teachers and a principal overseeing its operations. Despite its critical role in the community, the school faces significant challenges, including vandalism and theft, as revealed by the school’s principal, Mrs. Mataaso Ramatsoku.

Mrs. Ramatsoku explained that the school grows vegetables for both the students and teachers, but these crops are often vandalized by community members during after-school hours and holidays. She also reported that seven apple trees, donated to the school, were uprooted and stolen by members of the community.
“I even had to involve the police, who condemned these acts and warned that those responsible would face arrest. Thankfully, the situation has stopped for now, and we are grateful to the police for their intervention and continued support to ensure the school grounds are secure. However, we believe the school urgently needs a fence to provide maximum security,” she said. . .