The Deputy Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga on January 25 visited Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality in Weenen, under the championship of the Mayor Councillor Jabu Mbele.
The purpose of the visit was to hand over Shova Kalula bicycles to Weenen schools. Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality has a large population of school-going children who reside in deep rural areas, where modes of transport are very scarce. It was on this note that the Education Department, together with the local municipality, were incorporated into this program by the Transport Department.
Ms Chikunga handed over 550 bicycles to learners in three schools- namely Mthaniya High School, Weenen Combined School and Thembalihle High School. She hopes that these bicycles will assist learners who travel long distances to and from the three schools. The Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality has the highest number of pupils walking long distances to school, in their quest to access basic education.
She stated that the department has taken an initiative to assist those in need. She pleaded with the learners to study hard and join the Transport Department when they qualify, since the department has a series of scarce skills, like maritime engineering. Before addressing the community the Deputy Minister was taken on a short journey to inspect the road, she also visited the Weenen Bridge to check its state.
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While addressing the community in Ward 21, the Deputy Minister noted visible challenges, like electricity and cellular network problems in the area, which were observed on the day. The Deputy Minister promised to liaise with the relevant departments concerned.
Cllr Mbele thanked the Deputy Minister for the Shova Kalula programme visit to schools around Weenen and stressed that these bicycles will assist reduce the challenge of learners arriving late for school due to long distance travel.
Learners were also urged to take a good care of the bicycles. At the end of the year, the learners must bring back all the bicycles, because it is school property.
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