Thursday, September 4, 2014

NEWS: E Cape children denied right to education: SAHRC

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says some Eastern Cape children are being denied the right to education because they are not receiving government subsidised transport.

The SAHRC investigated problems with scholar transport in the province. Its investigation was prompted by a complaint by former DA Parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko last year.

Some pupils walk as far as 10km to get to school.

More than 95 000 pupils in the Eastern Cape qualify for subsidised transport. But less than 60 000 of them are benefitting from the program.

Children at Lovemore Park Primary school have to make do without transport. Some walk as far as 10km to get to school and its affecting their academic performance.

A myriad of problems in the province were discussed at a recent meeting with principals.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education Enver Surty says: “What I have been able to achieve through the meeting itself was to listen to the voices of the principals and SGBs. A commitment that emerged was the urgent need for creating an integrated district forum which will involve all the stakeholders. We look at the challenges of each realistically, it goes beyond the additional stuff, it’s about infrastructure, safety and security.”

The Education department says it is working at addressing the transport issue.

The human rights commission wants monthly written reports on progress made in resolving the matter.

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