Alex Matlala
Alex Matlala
Pupils from some schools in Apel, Limpopo, have not been able to attend classes for a week because of the flooded river that they have to cross to get to school.
The Madithabe Secondary School also had to temporarily close for a week because of the flooded river crisis. The other school affected by the forced absenteeism is Gwaragwara Primary School.
The Lepelle River, which divides three villages into Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts, has been overflowing since the torrential rains in the province in the past few weeks.
Pupils and workers have been unable to cross the river to Apel since Wednesday last week.
About nine people have lost their lives in the river between January and February last year, while last week three others escaped drowning after being rescued by passersby.
Most of the victims were pupils.
Pontsho Phaladi, a Grade 12 pupil at Madithame Secondary School in Apel, is one of the pupils who are affected.
Phaladi expressed concern that she may not do well at the end of the year because of the delay.
"Those who can afford it pay exorbitant taxi fares to school and those who can't have to either use logs to cross the river or bunk classes," she said.
Education MEC Aaron Motsoaledi has urged residents to compile a list of affected pupils so as to determine whether to provide them with transport or to set up temporary classes.
Pupils miss classes as river cuts off schools
Alex Matlala
Alex Matlala
Pupils from some schools in Apel, Limpopo, have not been able to attend classes for a week because of the flooded river that they have to cross to get to school.
The Madithabe Secondary School also had to temporarily close for a week because of the flooded river crisis. The other school affected by the forced absenteeism is Gwaragwara Primary School.
The Lepelle River, which divides three villages into Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts, has been overflowing since the torrential rains in the province in the past few weeks.
Pupils and workers have been unable to cross the river to Apel since Wednesday last week.
About nine people have lost their lives in the river between January and February last year, while last week three others escaped drowning after being rescued by passersby.
Most of the victims were pupils.
Pontsho Phaladi, a Grade 12 pupil at Madithame Secondary School in Apel, is one of the pupils who are affected.
Phaladi expressed concern that she may not do well at the end of the year because of the delay.
"Those who can afford it pay exorbitant taxi fares to school and those who can't have to either use logs to cross the river or bunk classes," she said.
Education MEC Aaron Motsoaledi has urged residents to compile a list of affected pupils so as to determine whether to provide them with transport or to set up temporary classes.
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