By Besley ‘Mabesh‘ Maduwa & Thomas Magosha
Mukhwantheli Secondary school’s grade 12 students missed their mid-year Life Sciences exams due to a strike that began on Sunday evening. The protest, which has disrupted schooling for both primary and secondary students, is driven by several communities demanding the tarring of hazardous gravel road.
A student from Mukhwantheli, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the impact of strike on their education. “The community’s demand for a tarred road is important, but what about the students who need to write their exams? What about our future, it really pains me!”
The road which connects Hollywood to Gumbani village and runs through villages such as Tshiulungoma, Dididi, Tshitomboni, Tambaulate, Tovhowani, and Phaphazela, has long been a concern for residents. The communities argue that the dust and poor condition of the road pose serious health risks, especially when heavy vehicles like busses pass through.
A member of the concerned group, Mr. Peter Mathalise, voiced the community’s frustartions on Vhembe FM. “There are rumors that this strike aims to boycott the election, which is not true. “What people want is service delivery and nothing else. For many years, this road has remained in a deplorable state. Those living closest to it suffer the most from the dust and the consequent health issues,” he said.
The protesters have barricaded the road with burning tyres and tree branches, demanding immediate action from government to fix and tar the road, which they believe will significantly improve the quality of life.
What is the view of the government/ municipality? I think further interview from either the provincial government or the municipality will be important because you gave us the view of the community only.