Pupils at Zilungisele Primary School in Malende, near Groutville, will no longer have to miss school during bad weather.

A raised walkway has been built by the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM), which will allow pupils to cross a section of low-lying road that was previously impassable during heavy rains. The former permanent bridge was washed away during the 2022 floods.

“We have been forced to release pupils early on several occasions because of the unsafe conditions,” said school principal Cebolenkosi Khuzwayo.

In worse weather, many kids are kept away from school completely. Khuzwayo said around 500 of the school’s 700 pupils rely on the bridge.

Community members tried to erect makeshift walkways out of desperation, but they were unreliable and potentially unsafe. During recent rains in early February, videos of pupils unable to cross were posted on social media and got the attention of KDM, although Ward 9 councillor Nkitimeng Mpanza said she had previously lobbied for a solution.

KDM deputy-mayor Njabulo Cele visited the area as part of the KwaDukuza infrastructure oversight programme.

“In the short term, we have built a walkway to provide safe passage for the pupils and ensure that they have a safe route to attend school,” said Cele.

“We will convene to assess available funds to develop a permanent solution to the bridge issue.”

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