According to the department's spokesperson, Elias Malindi, these bicycles are part of the flagship programme by the Department of Transport, called the Shova Kalula bicycle programme, which is an initiative aimed at assisting learners who may have to walk long distances to and from school. Malindi says the students were overcome with gratitude upon receiving their bicycles. He adds that the Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, thanked the Department of Transport for their donation and said that the bicycles will serve as motivation for the scholars.

Malindi goes on to say that this gift serves a greater purpose as it was donated in the month of March, which happens to be Human Rights Month.

Furthermore, the bicycle handover took place on Monday at the school with the donation being received by Matsemela, says Malindi. He adds that the gift was befitting as learners were required to walk a lengthy 5 kilometres to and from school daily.

To conclude, Malindi quotes Magadzi, who said: “Education is a right to every learner and that is not the responsibility of the Department of Education alone. It is a responsibility of everyone to ensure that learners are given quality education at school. Education is a societal".

OFM News/Lee Simmons