Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 15 — School principals in Qacha’s Nek have called for the revision of mid-January school reopening dates, saying many parents are financially unprepared at that time, leading to delayed learner attendance and disruptions to teaching during the critical first days of the academic year.
In an interview with the Agency, Hermitage High School Principal ’Masamuel Koko said reopening schools later in the month would allow more learners to report on time, noting that most people receive their salaries early in December therefore they have no money.
“At least when schools reopen after the 20th, one would expect all learners to come to school,” Koko said, adding that despite concerns around the reopening date, pupil turnout at her school stood at about 70 percent, which was better than she had anticipated.
Mrs. Koko said the school is fully prepared to start the 2026 academic year and continues to strive for improved results. However, she stressed that parental preparedness remains key, urging parents to plan for school expenses before the festive season.
“After receiving the report, parents should start paying first-quarter school fees before Christmas. The festive season sometimes affects how money is used, and this delays children’s attendance when schools reopen,” she said.
Qacha’s Nek High School Principal Thabang Phamotse echoed the call for a date review, saying mid-month reopening places strain on both parents and schools. He said about 85 percent of learners reported on the first day of the academic year, a turnout he described as unusually high.
“Even though not all learners showed up, this is the first time we have seen such numbers at the start of the year,” Phamotse said.
However, he said the remaining 15 percent of learners were delayed mainly due to financial constraints, with some parents waiting for month-end income while others awaited the return of children from initiation schools.
Mr. Phamotse said delayed reporting creates challenges for schools, as teachers begin teaching from the first day and do not wait for latecomers.
“We begin teaching immediately, and those who come late must catch up as we go. This is not always easy and often inconveniences teachers who have to adjust lessons to accommodate everyone,” he said.
At Tiisetsong AME Primary School, Principal ’Maselone Mosuhli said expectations that all learners would report on reopening day were not met, with about half of the learners absent.
“Some of the children are still in the village, and we do not know when they will return. This is a common practice, but we remain hopeful,” she said.
Mrs. Mosuhli noted that while absenteeism in the past was linked to food shortages, school feeding programmes are now in place earlier than before. She appealed to parents to ensure learners attend from the first day, warning that delayed attendance disrupts lessons for those present.
“We end up postponing lessons to accommodate those who are absent, and the first day of school is very important,” she said.
At Precious English Medium Pre-School, owner Norah Onouha said learner turnout stood at about 60 percent, an improvement from last year. She attributed delays mainly to financial constraints, noting that some parents had registered their children but were waiting until month end to pay fees.
Onouha said the number of learners present was sufficient to begin revision and allow children time to adjust, with formal teaching expected to start in February.
She urged parents not to keep children at home due to financial challenges, saying schools are open to payment arrangements.
“What we are chasing is the future of the children, not the money. Parents can always reach an agreement with the school,” she said.
Meanwhile, Acting District Education Manager Mr. Mapepe Rakotje said education inspectors began an inspection exercise in the Tebellong area on Wednesday, which continued in other schools on Thursday, with findings expected on Friday.
Rakotje appealed to parents and guardians to ensure children report to school from the first day of reopening, stressing that every missed day negatively affects learners’ academic performance.
The debate over reopening dates now shifts to policymakers, as schools begin another year balancing curriculum demands with social and economic realities beyond the classroom.
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