The call was made during, Shayi’s visit to schools in Maruleng municipal area as part of the district’s back to school campaign programme recently.
He however expressed his concern at the number of burglaries in schools across the district.
At least four of the six schools visited have reported burglaries.
“We are worried that a number of schools have been targeted by criminals, and important tools such as laptops which are supposed to enhance learning and teaching are stolen. Laptops are very key in assisting our children especially in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. We are calling on our communities to close ranks and safeguard our schools,” said Shayi.
He however expressed his satisfaction with the level of Covid-19 compliance at the schools visited.
Shayi who was accompanied by the speaker of MDM, Wireless Sedibeng, and the Department of Education‘s Mopani West District officials urged the leadership at Mosibudi High School, Lorraine Banareng Primary School and Ramatau High School to continue observing Covid-19 protocols.
“We cannot lower our guards now. The Covid-19 health protocols have to be respected,” said Shayi.
He also said that the District Command Council is coordinating efforts to ensure that roads damaged by the recent rains are maintained.
“Through the District Command Council, we have implored local municipalities, working with the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure to work faster in maintaining roads, prioritising the road networks that connect our communities with key institutions such as schools,” added Shayi.
He said that the delayed reopening of schools meant that educators and learners needed to work extra hard to achieve good results at the end of the academic year.
“We are here just to say that you are not alone on this journey,” he concluded.
