The Mpumalanga Department of Education has made strides to accommodate the 395 pupils of Mokibe Primary School temporarily at Bongisimbi Comprehensive High school in Ackerville, Emalahleni.
This was after the parents of the pupils demanded that the department ensured that their children were provided with proper and safe school. Parents were worried about the school condition at Mokibe where other grades would be accommodated since schools will be reopening soon.
Mokibe is a very depressing school found on a Kwaspruit farm and has been having dilapidated infrastructure for the past 10 years now. The department last year temporarily moved grade 7 pupils to Mogalitwa primary school in Klarinet leaving other grades out. There is still a war between the residents in Kwaspruit and residents in Pine Ridge. Residents in Pine Ridge reportedly do not want Mokibe school to be rebuilt in their identified area. In the past, the Pine Ridge residents allegedly torched and vandalised the temporary container classrooms which were donated by Inyanda Coal Mine. The containers were said to be accommodating all grades.
Education spokesperson, Jasper Zwane said that his department has made strides to accommodate all the 395 learners of Mkibe primary school temporarily at Bongisimbi Comprehensive High School. “The learners will be granted Scholar Transport and all the necessary resources to enhance their studies at the school,” Zwane said.
“In the meantime the department has received a commitment from a donor to assist in the construction of the school. The municipality has allocated a site already which is currently being developed,” he added.
Oupa Mashiyane, a Kwarspruit farm resident said that the government has failed them. “Mokibe school was supposed to be built ten years ago and it has been in that bad condition for the past ten years. We are very concerned that Emalahleni Local Municipality wants to move the school to Pine Ridge, of which is very far. Who will be responsible for the learners’ school transport and for how long?” Mashiyane asked. The Manala Mgibe Traditional Authority reported that they have noted the enquiry regarding issues on Mokibe school. The authority said that they were not in a position at this point to comment on the matter as they are still making consultation with their stakeholders. They also emphasized that they would always put the interest of the children first.
