Another early start being on the road by 7:00 am. The first stop was Zamuxolo where Steven wanted to interview 2-3 learners who had been part of the demonstrations in 2014. After the customary greetings with the Principal permission was granted for the interviews. It was pleasing to note that each of the learners recalled the demonstrations with fondness repeating the key points without being prompted. The demonstrations had left a lasting impression on these learners.
A sad moment was experienced where learners from the lower grades raced to the school gate. The boys formed a circle to urinate on the road while the girls went a little further up a small embankment to relieve themselves. I was told that a new ablution block was completed but had not yet been handed over. These learners have the right to the dignity that most other learners experience. I have no answer but am committed to making a change for these and other learners.
The highlight for the day for the whole school was a demonstration of the drone. Despite being told what was about to happen the school was absolutely silent as Igor prepared the drone. It finally lifted off to the amazement of everyone who could not believe what was happening in front of them. After hovering for a few second Igor directed the drone to rise up some 40-50 m to load applause from everyone. Seeing the joy on their faces was worth all the time and effort indicating the importance of real Science and Technology demonstrators in these communities.
I call these Siya moments after Siya Xusa who lived some 100 km from this community. His life was transformed when he saw an aeroplane for the first time when he was just five years old. He is an innovator and entrepreneur making a significant difference on a global scale having emerged from a deep rural community.
We planned the trip over the mountain past Sedubipoort. Steven and Igor were not prepared for the vista that they were presented at the top of the mountain looking back at Cofimvaba. I have little doubt that the footage taken of this vista will be magnificent but nothing like what awaited them around the next corner. We had to stop the car immediately as Steven had seen the opening scene for the video clip looking over the Kei River valley.
Two more vistas opened up as we progressed over the mountain which equalled what we had experienced previously. We paused for a few minutes to launch the drone to fly over a community near Kwaza much to the delight of locals in distant huts.
Another unique experience was being confronted by burning tyres and a road block with disgruntled locals protesting over the lack of service delivery. In true local spirit a gentleman in a dilapidated bakkie pulled up and instructed us to follow him as he knew a short-cut. This saved us a lot of time as we still wanted to drop into St Marks to shoot another Hydrogen Fuel Cell school.
The drone was launched once again much to the delight of the local school children many of whom recognised this ‘white man’ from last year. After a long day driving we arrived back in PE safely after 38 hours on the road covering over 1200 km.
Zamuxolo
Grade R’s Saying hello.
The Grade R Classroom
An ablution block awaiting to be handed over.
The local loo for the little ones – in the street
A Grade 7 class in a mud walled hut learning English
Igor entertain the school with the Drone
Playful times with a skipping rope
A local watching a football match near Arthur-Mphebe
Steven in action
Trying their luck to catch the drone.
Steven and Igor preparing the opening scene for the video