More Limpopo learners to benefit from no-fee schools

This is according to Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha, who delivered the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Polokwane on Friday.

Mathabatha said the addition beneficiaries will bring the total number of learners benefitting from the scheme to almost 1.7 million.

Mathabatha also reported an increase in the number of children enrolling in Grade R in public schools.

"Last year we reported that the number of children who were enrolled in Grade R in public schools was 123 356. Today the number of children enjoying access to Grade R in public schools has increased to 127 000." 

Education in Limpopo has been through various crises over the past ten years, with issues around school infrastructure and the non-delivery of textbooks. 

But Mathabatha believes the province has now begun to turn the corner. 

Scholar transport was also provided to 255 schools across the province last year.

"This year we are increasing the number of schools which will benefit from scholar transport to 380," Mathabatha said. 

The province is also stepping up efforts to feed disadvantaged during school hours. 

"This year, almost 3800 schools will benefit from the provisioning of meals as per the National Schools Nutrition Programme. In this regard, we will contract over 10 500 food handlers that will be supplemented by an additional 145 school-based monitors."