LIMPOPO – The Transport MEC, Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana, is in the process of distributing bicycles to learners whose parents cannot afford transport for them to school.
Mokaba earlier this week said the department has already distributed 236 bicycles to Vhembe, Mopani and Sekhukhune schools in January.
According to her, the Sekhukhune-based Mopoghs Combined School received 46 bicycles while 18 were handed to Selatole Secondary School in the same area.
“Tlakulani High School in the Greater Giyani area received 100 bicycles,” she said.
In the Vhembe district, 60 bicycles went to Mosengi High School and Khomanani High School received 12.
“Each bicycle also comes with a safety helmet,” she said.
“We still plan to distribute more bycicles in the Waterberg and the Capricorn districts before the end of this month. Before handing them out, we deployed road safety officers to the selected schools to educate learners about road safety. We are targeting schools where learners travel long distances to school. Learners who travel long distances on foot usually arrive at their schools late and tired. They can’t concentrate in class, so bicycles are a simple mode of transport that will ease their journeys.
“We are working hand-in-hand with shool governing bodies and schools’ management across the province to identify needy learners. The bicycles belong to the state, which is why learners must return them when they pass Gr 12. The maintenance of the bicycles is the responsibility of the beneficiary,” Mokaba-Phukwana said.
