Nineteen North West schools in and around Tlakgameng will remain closed until teaching can take place there again, the provincial education department said on Wednesday.

"MEC [Johannes Tselapedi] had to take the decision to close the schools to ensure that learners and teachers in the area are safe," spokesman Charles Raseala said.

They were closed on Tuesday, after three classrooms, a staff room and store room at Sebitlwane High School were set alight on Monday during renewed service delivery protests.

Residents took to the streets in May to demand a 22km tarred road between Tlakgameng and Ganyesa. Four schools were set alight, causing damage estimated at R4 million.

Raseala said the department found itself in "a difficult financial position" because there were already 14 other schools needing repairs costing about R2.5 million after they were damaged in storms last year.

"The costing was done in January. We roughly need R10m to repair the 14 schools and the five in Tlakgameng," he said adding that the department was facing financial constrains.

The closure of the schools affected 9092 pupils.

North West police said Tlakgameng was calm on Wednesday.

"No incidents since Monday," said spokeswoman Captain Aafje Botma, adding that police were keeping an eye on the area.