SACP protests about the lack of school transport

A small group of SACP-supporters vociferously made their way on 23 May at about 2pm to the circuit offices of the Department of Education in Burger Street, highlighting the plight of learners in farming communities who struggle to attend school.

Ms Mapaseka Mlaba, secretary in the Lekwa sub-district, and Mr Nkosinathi Dladla gave a copy of their memorandum to the Standerton Advertiser which outlined their demands.

The party expressed their frustrations about lack of school transport, saying the future of learners are bleak without education.

They also said both the Department of Education and the Department of Public Works are not doing enough to meet the challenge.

Protesters’ demands included school transport to promote the spirit of free education.

“If the children don’t go to school, they will be in a vulnerable position,” Ms Mapaseka said.

Learners in their formative years protested outside the circuit office early on 29 April as well, bringing their plight of lack of school transport to the forefront.

A community representative, Mr Themba Shabangu, said that apart from learners losing valuable education time, other factors come into play.

“In some cases, they have to cross a railway line which is dangerous in itself and winter is approaching as well.”

A bus however, arrived at 8.45am to transport the learners back to Ext 8.

The Standerton Advertiser contacted the provincial spokesman of the Department of Education, Mr Jasper Zwane, on 23 May who said the department is unaware of the problem.

Mr Zwane referred the newspaper to the Department of Public Works and said they are managing school buses on their behalf.

The newspaper tried to reach the offices of the department both on Friday, 24 May and Monday, 27 May, but no one answered their landline at the time of going to press.