High school learners protest for transport

A group of about 100 learners from Abaqulusi High School in the Zungwini area staged a protest near Sasko in the early hours of Monday morning.

The learners closed the road by burning tyres, logs and other items. It is believed that they are unhappy about transportation issues. The AbaQulusi High School learners live in areas around Vryheid, which means there are children from Bhekuzulu, Lakeside, Sasko and other areas who attend the school and need transportation to and from school.

Mr Buthelezi, who is the principal, stated that, ‘’The main reason why the learners conducted the protest is because they are complaining about the long distances they have to walk to attend school. The children wake up early so they can walk and get to school on time and it is normally dark when they start walking. The learners have mentioned that they get mugged while on their way to school, and the Department of Transport has temporarily arranged transport for them.’’

The principal further explained that two girls were allegedly raped the very same day of the protest on their way to school. ’’I went to the police station to see the girls who were raped. It looks like there was one suspect who raped the girls, as they were bleeding and had minor injuries to their legs and feet. Police are still investigating the case and the girls were taken to hospital for thorough check-ups.’’

After a discussion between learners and Mr Bongani Zulu from the Department of Education at Edumbe, the protest ended and the local fire department was allowed to move in to clear the road. Mr Zulu reported that the matter regarding transportation to school was already discussed with learners’ parents in 2021. It was made clear to parents that the department could not make transport arrangements for learners across municipal boundaries. Learners from Vryheid are welcome to apply to be educated at a school in the Edumbe municipal area, but must then be self-reliant on transport to school and back home.

Mr Zulu also indicated that, as an interim measure, the department will request the contracted bus transport company to stop and pick up learners near Bhekuzulu and Sasko. A meeting with the parents of the affected learners will be arranged for Wednesday at Abaqulusi High School to again address the matter.

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