Learners of Bakerville village in Ditsobotla attended school under normal conditions on Friday, 13 January 2023 following the intimidation by the Boikhutso Township youths to the bus drivers ferrying learners.

On Thursday, 12 January 2023 school buses from Bakerville were barred from entering the township by community members demanding employment at a Solar Plant project in the area.

It took an initiative of Boikhutso parents to escort these learners in and out of the township. The parents also committed to ensuring safety of the learners during the day by maintaining their presence in and around the school premises.

The learners from Bakerville attend school at Gaetsho and J.M. Lekgetho Secondary schools as their village has one primary school.

A meeting was held between parents from Boikhutso, Department of Education officials and ward councillors of Ditsobotla on Thursday to discuss learner safety.

On Friday, as the situation calmed down, buses got into the township without disturbance.

The MEC for Education in the North West,Viola Motsumi acknowledged the efforts of both the parents and the ward councillors and thanked them for their progressive initiative.

“On behalf of the department l want to commend and acknowledge the commitment taken by both parents of Bakerville and Boikhutso township. All these parents have a keen interest in education and as a department we respect that.

“These parents have prioritised safety and education of their children. I wish to commend our councillors for ensuring that there is a peaceful solution to this problem. This shows unity amongst our communities”, said MEC Motsumi.

A follow-up meeting will be held on Monday, 16 January 2023

 

For more information please contact:
Elias Malindi
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell:0721154855/0728928399