NEEDS OF CHILDREN FIRST PRIORITY
Mr Hannes Jansen, Alma, writes:

I am a farmer in the Alma area (Modimolle Municipal area) and was also Chairperson for Fedsas for seven years in Limpopo.

I am addressing this letter to The Post in the interest of the local black community and the 430 children from the local Agri Village in Alma.

During 2004/2005 the Circuit Manager at the time for this area, Mr Mabitsela, took it upon himself to close all the small farm schools in the area — a decision I supported at the time.

All the children from these schools were relocated to Alma Primary school. But during the discussions to implement this program, an undertaking was given that additional class rooms and ablution blocks will be build. Nothing of this nature has happened up to date.

We now have six class rooms for 430 children, which is absolutely ridiculous. There are children sitting in the garden tool shed as a class room, we have five classes in the school hall, all children in one big hall.

During the winter, as it is now, the morning temperatures drop to below zero, and children has to sit in a tool shed in order to attend class. The ablution facilities are also totally inadequate for this number of children. This is inhumane, unacceptable and disgusting.

I invite anyone to come and sit in one of these class rooms for one hour and tell me if that is what we owe the children of our country. Is this bato Pele ? Is this why we pay taxes — so that our children can be treated worse than animals?

This matter has been raised over and over with regional staff , but nothing happens But a number of new school class rooms was build on the Farm Boekenhout (not 5 km away) — standing empty.

If something is not done about this urgently, I will bring the President himself here, as well as a representatives, so that they can see how “well” we threat our children. I will also arrange for a special tour of overseas Fifa-representatives and visitors to come and witness what our “democracy” is all about.

Yes, I am threatening and I am upset, but do not underestimate my intentions either.

Goodness me — when will we wake up to the needs of our children?