"Matshidiso says he is getting bored because they are not allowed to play like they were used to at Moetlo Primary" This is something that gets mentioned most often by the parents in Mabeskraal since schools reopened.
Since 2011 it has been topical that Middle Schools in this part of South Africa would be formally closed and the children be accommodated at the village's only High School. It has always been a hot topic with parents complaining that the high school is very far for children coming directly from primary school who would be required to walk to and fro daily as many parents here cannot afford R10. 00 a day taxi fare. Some complained that they were not consulted as parents when the department took a decision to close the schools. and now, with mixed messages about the school uniform being communicated to the parents, the issue of school mergers seem to be far from being rested.
Children from four of the village primary schools who were supposed to continue with their Grade 8 at the middle schools that have been closed are wearing their different primary school uniforms and those from the erstwhile middle schools are also allowed to wear their middle school uniforms, resulting in true colour block.
The view of Matshidiso is supported by other children from primary schools who are complaining that because they are now at high school, they feel they are not allowed to play as kids, they are expected to act like their brothers who were afforded an opportunity to grow at middle schools.
One guy opined that the situation will result in too many teenage pregnancies as older students take advantage of young girls who would others have been students at the closed middle schools. One thing is clear, the schools have merged and the children and parents just have to get used to it. Like they say, bazoba strong, perhaps.
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