By Staff Reporter
SEKGOPO – Community members have raised safety concerns after Grade 11 learners from Mohumi Secondary School in Ga-Sekgopo were seen playing with their new bicycles on the notorious R81 road, just days after receiving them.
The bicycles, donated on Thursday, September 18, through a partnership between Qhubeka Charity, Absa South Africa, and ZZ2 Farming, were meant to provide learners with a safer and quicker way to get to school.
However, residents fear the initiative’s benefits could be undermined if learners continue using the busy R81 for play. One resident took to social media to warn that the behaviour could lead to serious accidents.
The matter has since been raised with the School Governing Body (SGB).
The donation project was expected to reduce school dropouts, improve attendance, and give learners greater mobility. Absa funded the initiative as part of its education upliftment drive, while ZZ2 Farming played a key role in community coordination.
In response, the learners apologised and promised to use safer spaces for riding.
In response to the concerns, the learners issued a public apology:
“We, the Grade 11 learners, want to express our apologies regarding the concerns raised about us playing with our new bikes on the car roads. We understand that using roads meant for vehicles can pose safety risks to both ourselves and other road users. Going forward, we will make sure to use designated bike paths or safe areas for playing and riding, minimizing any disruptions or risks on the roads.”
