Scholar transport chaos in Mkhondo

Scholar transport chaos in Mkhondo

         

Nearly 200 learners from Mkhondo local municipality, in Piet Retief, cannot go to school because the Mpumalanga department of education has cancelled their scholar transport.

In consultation with some parents at the Ajax Settlement in Mkhondo, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has noted that buses that provide transport for learners to Mlilo Primary School and Kemp Siding Combined School were cancelled last week, without any notice to parents.

Prior to this cancellation, there were three busses running and now there are none. This has left about 180 learners without transport to get to the schools. The parents were not informed of this in advance and as a result they have not had an opportunity to make alternative arrangements.

The circuit manager of Mkhondo, Mr Bheki Mvalose, stated that the reason the transport was stopped was due to the fact that a closer school for the children to attend has been made available. He insists that the information was given to the principals, but confirms that this was not communicated to the parents.

The closest school to Ajax settlement is Kemp Siding Combined School. The parents were told that this school was full; as a result all the learners who were previously bussed are now without a school to attend.

 DA told Bvunza Mutupo News that it will write a letter to the office of MEC Reginah Mhaule and request the MEC to investigate this matter.

“We want the MEC to also ensure that appropriate remedies are provided for these learners. Education is an important component for all our children because it unlocks opportunities.” Anthony Bernardie said.