An NCOP delegation has committed to urgently engage the North West MEC for Education, the provincial Department of Education, school leadership and the Swartruggens School Governing Body to seek lasting solutions to the serious challenges facing learners at Swartruggens Combined School and Reebone Secondary School.
The intervention follows concerns raised during an oversight visit as part of the NCOP Provincial Week, where members were confronted with deteriorating infrastructure and challenges relating to water, sanitation, electricity, sewerage and classroom space. The delegation stressed that the situation affecting learners, parents and educators cannot be allowed to continue.
Particular concern was raised about the condition of Reebone Secondary School, which the department acknowledged had deteriorated significantly. At Swartruggens, the delegation also highlighted poor and outdated water, electricity and sewerage infrastructure, warning that inadequate water and ablution facilities could pose a health risk to learners and educators.
The delegation further raised concerns about the placement of learners from Reebone at Swartruggens and called for improved planning to minimise disruption to learners, parents and teachers. While recognising the financial constraints facing the department, members supported efforts to find a sustainable solution to the challenges, including consideration of a proposed merger.
An upcoming engagement with education authorities and school representatives is expected to focus on practical interventions and firm commitments to address the infrastructure and classroom challenges facing the two schools.
For the NCOP delegation, the matter is ultimately about ensuring that learners are provided with a safe, functional and dignified environment in which to learn and thrive.
Malatswa Molepo
20 August 2026
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