Too many learners forced to suffer the effects of the lack of scholar transport
13 November 2017
Today, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Nomsa Marchesi MP, and DA Leader in the Free State Provincial Legislature, Roy Jankielsohn MPL, walked with learners from Bohlokong Township in Bethlehem to Arran Primary School to raise awareness about the lack of scholar transport in the area.
Despite repeated appeals, the principal of Arran Primary school was told by the Free State provincial government that it cannot provide transport for learners who live in townships and attend farm schools. In the last three financial years, 823 schools have been closed in the province which means that many children now have to travel further to get to school, yet no provision has been made for transport for these learners.
This refusal by the ANC government to provide transport for learners has a devastating effect not only on the education of our children but also on their safety. After walking to school with some of these learners today, it is clear that this must change.
Recently, a learner was raped on her way to school. This could have been avoided had there been transport to get her safely to school.