HEIDI GOUWS writes:
I write with such a heavy heart! It would appear child road safety is of very little concern to those we entrust the care of our precious children to.
On three occasions I have witnessed concerning behaviour from The Lion King Child Care Facility in Bonaero Park.
The first instance, on April 9 at about 7.45am, the driver of the red kombi, during morning peak hour traffic along Atlas Road, was driving unreasonably slow in the right hand lane, holding up traffic that was subsequently swerving around him and becoming aggressive.
On passing him I noticed him talking on his cell phone without a hands-free kit while driving young children.
I called the owner of Lion King and she was abrupt and showed little concern about what I was telling her, in actual fact, she justified his actions. Clearly un-perturbed that it was still illegal and dangerous.
Following this incident, a week later on April 15 at about 2.45pm, another of The Lion King vehicles (white van) was travelling down Atlas Road with a different driver. This driver was now speeding with children standing on the seats while he was smoking in the vehicle.
Now this week (May 12 at about 3pm), the same driver of the second Lion King vehicle (white van) was again driving down Atlas Rd, this time children were standing in front leaning against the dash board while he was driving (with empty seats in the back of the vehicle so space was definitely not a problem), while he was smoking and driving.
This school clearly shows no regard for the safety of their children they transport. This behaviour is disgusting.
Surely something can be done to ensure they take responsibility to care for our children properly and take every measure possible to do so safely?
Kempton Express contacted Thea Geyer, the owner, about the matter on May 13, just after receiving the letter. Although she responded to our emails, she clearly stated it was not for publication.
Then, the past week, we received three letters from happy parents of Lion King. Here are some extracts:
Nathan Naidoo wrote: “Thea Geyer provides an excellent service to our community of Bonaero Park. The transport service the school provides is of a high standard.
“I met the driver Vernon. He is always friendly and respectful when he opens and closes the door for the children.
“Apparent there has been accusations against him for speeding, which I think is ludicrous. That bus is so big and heavy it is impossible to be speeding on Atlas Road. I have seen him several times driving the school bus and not once did I see him exceeding the speed limit.”
Siya Ntlantsana wrote: “It gives me great satisfaction to recommend Lion King Nursery School. Their driver Vernon is the most friendly soul I have ever met. He is so amazing and never leaves the baby by the gate but makes sure that he hands him over to a parent or only to the siblings introduced to him by me.
“Thea is also an amazing person. She is a caring, devoted and goes an extra mile for the kids.”
Diane Francis wrote: “I would like to take this opportunity to commend Lion King Créche for its exceptional service.
“Thea is always sweet and accommodating to us. Her staff is passionate about what they do.
“I would also like to compliment the driver Vernon. He is always friendly and good with the kids so that makes us feel at ease knowing our baby is in good hands.” – Editor
