Complaints at north school around busses noted by department
“Pupils complained that the buses usually get stuck and have broken windows.”
The EFF visited the Reimolotswe primary school in Winterveldt following complaints about poor nearby roads and unroadworthy school buses.
In addition to these problems, it would appear that the school has also been hit by a mosquito infestation.
The Tshwane EFF visited the school after being informed that it was facing transport challenges.
“The school is facing inaccessibility of the road leading to the school,” said Tshwane EFF chairperson Obakeng Ramabodu.
“This poses a major risk for both pupils and teachers who have to navigate through muddy roads just to get to school.”
Ramabodu said the party and parents are deeply concerned about these issues as they compromised learners’ safety.
Ramabodu added that they had selected a representative of parents together with a member of the provincial legislature to attend the legislature and engage with the MEC of Education.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department had deployed officials to the school to intervene.
Several meetings have been held to address the problem.
“In our previous meeting with all involved stakeholders, we reiterated compliance as per service-level agreement and that service providers should communicate with the principal when they encounter challenges.”
He said preliminary investigations revealed that poor road infrastructure in the Winterveldt area was the primary concern.
Service providers should, however, ensure good conditions of the buses and compliance with road safety guidelines, including roadworthiness, operating discs, driver’s licenses, seats, tyres and windows.
“The matter was brought to the attention of the local councillor and municipality. Much has been done to improve the road conditions, but the results have still been disappointing.”
According to the member of the Gauteng legislature Lindiwe Masilela, the school’s complaints about the unsafe conditions of the buses have been reported to the government.
“Pupils complained that the buses usually get stuck and have broken windows,” he said.
Ramabodu said they were preparing the Andries Tatane Program, where they will try and help the school to open the road for them.
Valencia Mhlanga, who is a parent, said she was worried about the safety of the children as they often complain about the school bus that got stuck in the middle of the road without any assistance for some time.
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