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The Letaba River in Limpopo is over flowing.
Matric learners at the Sekgoari Secondary School at Ga-Modjadji village in Bolobedu, Limpopo, have expressed concern that their academic year was delayed due to flooding.
The opening of the schools in the flood-hit areas in Mopani, Vhembe and parts of Sekhukhune districts was halted due to persistent rains, which caused flooding.
The persistent rains and flooding have caused widespread damage to road infrastructure, making some schools inaccessible.
The national government has classified the flood-stricken areas in five provinces as disaster areas.
The pupils say there will be catch-up programmes.
Learner Tumelo Mashatole says, “I am glad that we are opening today but I feel like we are left behind because some have been studying for long and we were at home not having books, not knowing what to study, but I feel like as we have opened today it is a good thing not to open later because as others are starting we also have to catch up and be studying also.”
Another pupil, Petunia Ramaano says, “Some schools have already started with their activities of the year, and we are staying in areas that are affected by floods are behind with school work.”
Giyani
Some learners in Giyani are excited that their schools have opened for the new academic year.
Learners at Giyani High School, Danisile Nkuna and Vunwe Mabunda, say they are happy to be back at school after the disruption.
Nkuna says, “I feel very excited that schools have reopened because we finally get the chance to go to school like other provinces, Gauteng and Northern Cape, and we get to continue with our studies.”
Mabunda says, “I’m very excited, I’m glad that the floods have finally stopped. I’m also excited because I now get to see my friends again.”
VIDEO | Schools reopen in Vhembe following floods:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRWR82rlhVw
-Additional reporting by Vutivi Maluleke.
