By Koena Moabelo
As part of the Provincial Government's Back to School Campaign, MEC Kedibone Diale - Tlabela joined law enforcement officials on a scholar transport-targeted operation on Wednesday, 11 January 2023 in the City of Ekurhuleni.
This as the Department has prioritised 2023 for provision of a reliable and safer scholar transport services and safer learning and teaching institutions. More than 10 minibus taxis and two scholar transport busses were impounded for being unroadworthy and non-compliant with regulation governing the industry.
Furthermore, the MEC visited Sibongile Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Palm Ridge as well as Alafang Secondary School, in Katlehong where she planted trees, donated school uniforms, and road safety-related items.
The MEC's visit was to also assess the schools' state of readiness in relation to learner support material, furniture, admissions, learner and educator attendance for the 2023 academic year.
Addressing the event and touching on learner safety, the MEC indicated that "scholar transport is our priority. Our mandate as the Department is to inform and educate communities about safe learner transport programmes. Our kids need to be safe as they travel to and from schools".
Speaking to principal of Sibongile ECD, Ms Sibongile Khumalo, MEC Diale-Tlabela reiterated the importance of education and highlighted the fact that the future belongs to young people (leaders).
She added that the Department has adopted the centre and will in future provide further required assistance.
The MEC encouraged Alafang Secondary School learners to focus on their studies.
"I wish you a successful academic year and we are here to let all you know that we love you and want that you to study harder and make us proud," stressed the MEC.
The MEC will be visiting the school next week to address some of the issues raised during her visit.