uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, accompanied by Exco member Cllr MV Khumalo – in conjunction with Mayibuye Construction – visited the Emangweni area on Monday to hand over 100 bicycles to two rural schools, namely Mandlakhe High and Emlilweni Primary.
This initiative was undertaken as Mayibuye’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme that aims to uplift the community it conducts business with, through the request of the mayor.
A traditional court, located close to the beneficiary schools, was chosen for the handing over of the bicycles.
Mayibuye co-ordinated the fund-raising and implementation of this initiative, assisted by other volunteer staff members, who also attended the launch. Also invited were district municipality officials, together with representatives from the traditional leadership, teachers, parents and the community at large.
Inspector Nkabinde from the Zwelisha Circuit said this initiative will help schoolchildren who travel long distances to schools. He went on to say that the policy of the Department of Education clearly says that a child must not travel more than a 3km distance to school.
“I am happy today that you are here to assist our learners and parents. Our district is very wide, but the mayor tries his best to reach all corners in bringing services to the people,” said Inspector Nkabinde.
District Mayor Mazibuko told the audience that scholar transport involves the departments of Education and Transport. He said that, as the district municipality, they have consulted many stakeholders with a view to assist learners to get to school and fortunately they have succeeded.
“In distributing these bicycles, our aim is to encourage school attendance among learners who have to travel long distances, some more than an hour, to get to school,” said the mayor.
It was emphasised that the bicycles are meant for utilisation only by the learners. These bicycles come with helmets and pumps for each, and will remain school property. Sanitary towels were also distributed to female learners.
The mayor then informed the learners about bursaries offered by uThukela District, aiming to assist them in furthering their tertiary education. He encouraged them to apply early in order to be considered.
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