Community leader, Surprise Xhwantini, told OFM News, while there were no disruptions from the community as schools re-opened, learners from surrounding rural areas that stay in school hostels in the town were forced to stay at home, because jojo tanks have not been properly organised as of yet. 

Xhwantini says one school in particular has been badly affected by the water restrictions. Schooling came to a grinding halt ahead of mid-year exams, when protests over water interruptions imposed by Bloem Water due to non-payment descended into chaos. 

Grade 12 students were transferred to nearby Philippolis so that they could write mid-year exams, while learners in lower grades did not go to school. Xhwantini says Kopanong Local Municipality promised to refill jojo tanks ahead of the start of the new school term.

He says community leaders were monitoring the situation closely to see if Kopanong will fulfil its promises, despite the hiccups already faced.
 
The Free State Education Department has not yet responded to OFM News’ enquiries on the matter. OFM News contacted the school Xhwantini said was most affected and the principal declined to comment.

OFM News