Learners use Sopa platform to protest

While residents in the province took time off their busy schedules to listen to the first State of the Province Address (Sopa) of the sixth Legislature by Premier Stan Mathabatha in Lebowakgomo on Friday, learners from different schools in Ga-Mashashane staged a silent protest adjacent to the legislative chamber to raise awareness about challenges they are faced with at school.

The learners, affiliated to Equal Education, held placards with demands which included access to clean water and proper infrastructure and eradication of pit latrines. They indicated that the exercise was to remind Mathabatha of the hiccups experienced by learners in schools. One of them, Mamaila Teffo stated that they initiated water and sanitation campaign after Michael Komape’s tragic death to address hindrances in schools. She further said they chose to embark on a silent protest during the Sopa for the Executive Council and Members of the Provincial Legislature to see their demands.
In his speech, Mathabatha said they have set aside a budget of R192 million to address the backlog of school sanitation infrastructure in 100 schools while R1,24 billion was budgeted to upgrade 67 schools across the province. His spokesperson Kenny Mathivha remarked that the learners raised serious issues that the provincial government would look into. He reckoned that Education MEC Polly Boshielo would address some of the issues raised when she delivers her department’s budget vote in due course.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za