A total of 41 schools in the Northern Cape would remain closed due to a high level of intimidation, the basic education department said on Wednesday.

Spokesman Panyaza Lesufi said police needed to immediately step in and stabilise the situation before schools could be re-opened.

"These acts of vandalism must be investigated and culprits be identified and appropriate action be taken by our law enforcement agencies."

He said 41 of the 65 schools in the Johan Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, in which Kuruman is situated, have been closed since June. Three of these schools have been burnt down and the 24 remaining schools have been re-opened.

"The majority of parents have asked us to re-open the schools. Once the situation has been stabilised the schools will be re-opened."

Lesufi said the demands tabled by the protesters were not education-related.

Residents have been protesting over the lack of tarred roads in the municipality.

"The department of basic education and the provincial education department will continue to support the camp set up to support matriculants."

He said the main focus was on the matriculants as there was a full recovery plan for pupils in the lower grades.

"The high level of intimidation and disruptions make it extremely difficult for the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, to visit the area," Lesufi said.

The minister is currently attending the 18th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers in Mauritius.