First stakeholders meeting in Zandspruit plans for the year ahead

Stakeholders in Zandspruit held their first meeting of the year at Emthonjeni centre on January 11. One of the more pertinent items on the agenda was the imminent reopening of schools for the 2022 academic year.

Challenges affecting schooling in the community were put forward including frustrations with registering for Grades 1 and 8. Many parents and guardians struggled with finding space at schools during registrations.

Aluwani Munyai from Masakhane Tswelopele Primary Schools said they have the biggest challenge with patients at Masakhane Clinic of which the entrance is close to the school. “The queues often block the school entrance. There needs to be another way to organise one line for patients, and one for learners and teachers. We will especially need this tomorrow as we welcome new learners. The space is just not adequate.”

Captain Mahlahlane from Cosmo City Police said the police would be at several schools from January 12 until January 21. “We will be monitoring all schools to assist with order. There will be police visibility in many schools around the areas, so please don’t be alarmed. This is our way of keeping schools and learners safe.”

One of the suggestions put forward was to establish an education desk that would bridge the gap between parents and the school. The goal of this would be to cut back on some of the back and forth that often happens between parents and teachers. “Teachers are there to teach and not squabble with community members,” one resident said.

Ward 114 councillor Tebogo Mangena said it was important that parents be more proactive in their kids’ school lives. He said education needs to be a focal point in Zandspruit.

In December, refuse bins were distributed in some parts of Zandspruit. Khumbuzile Kolisi, Regional manager for Pikitup said there is still a huge refuse challenge in the area. “We have a dedicated truck that collects bins. Bins have been distributed but they are not being used for their intended purpose. Some residents will take their trash bins and dump out trash somewhere else. We want to reduce illegal dumping. We need a platform to talk to the community and we cannot do this alone. We need assistance so that we can engage with the community. Effective from next week, refuse will be collected every day, including on Saturday.”