Johnny Masilela
In the remote village of Stinkwater, north of Pretoria, last Sunday, North West Education MEC Zacharia Tolo had a happy experience when he accepted an invitation from the community to talk about their schools.
Instead of the usual moans and venom targeted at the government, the citizens of Stinkwater wished to convey to Tolo cost- effective suggestions on how to build classrooms, and strategies to counter the problem of overcrowding at local schools.
Tolo put forward the government’s view, that resources were limited, and that the authorities were doing all in their power to address the problem of overcrowding.
Then came question-time, and the people of Stinkwater came forward with suggestions that would leave suburban proponents of nation-building standing.
“I say let every single family donate a certain amount of money for the building of additional classrooms,” charged Moipone Swarahla.
Someone wanted to know what would happen to families who could not afford the set amount. “Maybe we should rather roll up our shirtsleeves and bake the [ash] bricks ourselves to keep the donations at an acceptable minimum,” replied Jacob Mahapa.
“I am prepared to make available my mule cart so that we could transport whatever materials are required to build more classrooms,” suggested Tshepo Nthite.
Tolo promised the locals he would set up a commission to look into the community’s problems. “I have been deeply humbled by your commitment to the education of our children,” he said.