Back to suffering for little Orapeleng!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInElectionsBack to suffering for little Orapeleng!By: Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi • 2h agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandRefiloe Lesekela is preparing her daughter, Refiloe Orapeleng Lesekela for a long walk to school. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe (Morapedi Mashashe) Girl (6) endures hour-long walk to school as community waits for basic servicesPrimary school pupils walk long distances from Section R in Botshabelo to attend school in their neighbouring kasi. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe (Morapedi Mashashe) Local Elections 2026 Take Place In: SCHOOLS opened for the final term of the 2026 academic year on Tuesday, 6 October.

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This means another long walk for Orapeleng Lesekela (6).

The little girl from Section R in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein, travels about an hour to school.

Her area has no school despite being established about eight years ago.

Orapeleng, in grade 1 at Nteboheng Primary School in Section S, dreads waking up early for school.

Daily Sun spent the morning on her first day back after a short break to see what she goes through.

“I’m happy to go back to school. I can’t wait to see my friends,” she said.

Her mum, Refiloe Lesekela (28), wakes up at 5am to prepare water and a meal for her daughter.

“We’re suffering here. There are no schools, no roads, no water, and no clinics. We are just surviving.”

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She said it breaks her heart to see her kid waking up that early.

“I wish we could have a school around so that she doesn’t have to wake early and walk many kilometres to get an education. We are not in the 90s,” she said.

Refiloe accompanies Orapeleng every morning to ensure she crosses the busy road safely before walking back home alone.

She wishes for a school closer to home for the kids’ safety.

Her neighbour, Rosa Khomoeasara (28), said they don’t have money to pay omalume to transport their kids to school.

“We are not working. We can’t afford to pay transport to take them to school,” she said.

She pleaded with the government to build them a clinic because the one they use is far.

“We suffer here. The roads are so bad that sometimes emergency vehicles can’t get in. You have to carry sick people to the main road, which is far,” said Rosa.

While kids in other communities hop on a school bus or walk a few blocks to their nearest school, six-year-old Orapeleng trudges an hour each way — tired but determined to see her friends and learn.

Her mum walks her to the main road, watches her cross, and walks back home alone, hoping her kid makes it safely.

Section R has been standing for eight years with no school, no clinic and no decent roads. With elections looming, one has to ask: how many more academic years must this community wait before a classroom rises within walking distance of a six-year-old kasi?

Seasoned multimedia political journalist with 19 years of experience in industry. A career in news reporting turned to political journalism. Currently specialising in multimedia politics coverage, Mfundekelwa reports on politics and current affairs, producing engaging content across digital, print, video, and social media platforms.

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