LIMPOPO – Schools situated in deep rural areas don’t need generators, but more permanent solutions to handle the burden of load-shedding.

This is the view of the provincial chairperson of the Congress of South African Association of School Governing Bodies, Aphane Matlatle who added that schools in rural areas don’t have the financial means to keep generators going.

Over 3 000 schools still need assistance to combat power outages, he said.

Matlatle was speaking at Matimba High School in Nkavele village just outside Malamulele last Wednesday, when Minister of Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and Vhembe Mayor Freda Nkondo handed over 15 generators to various schools in the Vhembe region.

The minister, however, told learners and the communities that the donation of generators had little to do with load-shedding, but was handed over for them to have “uninterrupted electricity supply in cases of emergency”.

“Cable theft leaves many schools in the dark, and interrupts teaching and learning. We don’t want you to spend time waiting for those cables to be repaired.”

He added they chose schools in remote areas in their roll-out of generator donations in an effort to secure uninterrupted electricity supply.

Nkondo said these generators will provide a reliable source of power, enabling schools to function effectively and efficiently, and will create a conducive learning environment which supports academic growth and development.

“To our children, teachers and administrators, I urge you to make the most of this opportunity, and to use these generators to enhance teaching and learning, and continued to inspire and nurture our young minds. I also urge our communities to protect these generators from thieves. Let us guard them jealously and ensure that they always remain safe,” said Nkondo.