LIMPOPO – The safety of learners in Vhembe has come under scrutiny as some have to walk up to three hours daily to and from school due to a lack of scholar transport.

Parents from Mahangani, Musekwa, Doli Doli and surrounding areas blame the Department of Education for ongoing transport disruptions.

Learners reportedly travel a round trip of about seven kilometres each day, often through dangerous terrain. Frustrations boiled over on 11 February when learners protested in Mahangani.

Learners speak out about daily fears

One parent, Freddy Mutshotsho said the children’s safety is at serious risk. “Our children are exposed to danger while the department continues to promise transport,” he said.

A female learner, who asked not to be named, described the route to school as unsafe.

“There are sexual predators on the way. Once, as we were walking home, a boy was beaten up. Men catcall us and try to force us to do things we don’t want to do. If we run, they chase us. Sometimes we drop our books and run. If we have phones or money, they take it,” she said.

Exhaustion and missed school days

Another learner said he wakes up at 04:00 and leaves home at 05:00 while it is still dark.

“We walk seven kilometres to school and the same distance back. We cross the river and walk through thick bushes before arriving at 06:30 for morning classes,” he said.

He added that exhaustion often prevents learners from completing homework. “On rainy days we stay home because we arrive soaked and cannot concentrate. Most days we are just too tired,” he said.

Mutshotsho said he spends sleepless nights worrying about the children’s safety and appealed to the department to urgently provide transport.

Department advises formal complaints

Contacted for comment, Education spokesperson Mike Maringa said those dissatisfied should follow official channels. He advised that school governing bodies write to the accounting officer, the head of department, to formally raise their concerns.