By Kopano Dibakwane
The Department of Education, and the Department of Public Works in Mpumalanga have reportedly finalised needs assessments through consultations with schools and verification of learner numbers, as part of a support measure to ensure that learners who live far from school are not disadvantaged by distance or unsafe routes.
According to Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, a total of 67 221 learners are going to benefit from scholar transport provisioning this year.
Masina added that the Department’s database links individual learners to their schools and transport routes ensuring accountability and proper management.
She said routes have been advertised and assigned, and learners are being allocated transport in line with approved criteria.
“ Safety standards, including vehicle capacity limits, are being strictly monitored by our sister Department(of Public Works). During the first ten days of the school year, learner information will continue to be verified to ensure accuracy and compliance.
“ We note that the persisting rainfall might have damaged some road infrastructure. In this regard, school governing bodies are urged to proactively communicate with the Department to ensure that learners are not put at risk and to avoid any eventualities,” said MEC Masina.
The MEC has emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that learners are
ferried safe to schools and back home.
“ The Department wishes to urge parents to register their children in schools within
their residential areas to avoid instances where learners are driven past nearby schools because this poses some risks in the long run,” said MEC Masina.
