6.Kgaba 25-05

Grade 9 (85)

It was a challenge to firstly find the school and secondly to navigate the poor roads. Thank goodness I had taken a high clearance vehicle. The school was situated on the outskirts of Mokopane in a very impoverished community.

After introducing myself to Mrs Kganyago I was informed that the department had insisted that the Grade 10 to 12 examinations commence on this day so I moved to the other end of the school so as not to disturb them. It was also time for the customary feeding scheme which meant man learners milling around.

This was the second school that I had encountered that could not solve the turbine problem despite numerous attempts. I also noticed a trend in the second school for the day being hyperactive and am not sure if is related to the feeding scheme. I will monitor this trend with interest.

It was the first time in all the demonstrations that one of the learners came up to me to ask for job. I explained to him that I was from Port Elizabeth and could not assist him. He then proceeded to ask for money and it was then that I realised his plight.

Another observation was as I was leaving. I had to wait for a vehicle to drop off a learner at a house and noticed that she was holding a plate of food. My assumption is that she was taking this back to her family which highlights the plight of many families across the country.