By Doreen Mokgolo
Armed with only a bicycle, Andries Matlou, a resident of the Greenfield informal settlement in Hammanskraal makes sure the learners in his area don’t miss school.
Every morning from 6am, the 44-year-old unemployed security guard cycles to Sekampaneng and Kanana villages carrying two learners at a time, starting with those in matric attending early morning classes.
Andries, who lost his job in 2020, told Scrolla.Africa he started transporting the learners to school on his bicycle in 2023 after seeing some of them bunking school on rainy days and others braving an overflowing stream.
“Initially, with a group of residents, we would wake up early in the morning to help learners cross the overflowing stream and again in the afternoon I would abandon my atchar business to go help them cross the busy main road.
“I volunteered because I didn’t want any of the children to drown or be hit by cars trying to access education,” he said.
Andries later decided to use his bicycle to transport learners to and from the furthest schools.
“Living in an informal settlement comes with many challenges, mainly service delivery. Our children are forced to walk long distances to school, and the Department of Education has not allocated scholar transport for our children.
“With my bicycle, I ensure that they get to school on time and are still fresh to focus in class,” he said.
Andries said he receives donations from parents for his efforts and the money goes towards maintaining his bicycle to ensure it is in a good state to transport learners.
His wish is to see his area developed with decent services, including proper transport for schoolgoing children.
“Like all the residents in this country we deserve services and our children deserve a fair chance to compete in class without being tired before the day even begins,” he said.
Pictured above: Andries Matlou with his big smile and grateful passengers.
Image source: Supplied
