Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd, (Bakwena) launched their Scholar Patrol project in Lehurutshe Civic Centre in the North West province on Tuesday 15th February 2022 which saw 8 Primary schools receiving scholar patrol kits, equipment and training.
“According to the World Health Organisation more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. With the increase in pedestrian fatalities, road safety education continues to remain a very important focus area for Bakwena from safety on the road to the safety of communities that reside along our route”, says Bakwena’s Chief Operations Officer Solomon Kganyago.
A warm welcome was received from the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Tshepang Modisane from Department of Education, Ramotshere Moiloa Sub-district in Lehurutshe. (Senior Education Specialist for Life Skills, Life Orientation and Creative Arts). Ms Valencia Jonathan from the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management explained the objectives of the scholar patrol project and expressed gratitude to Bakwena for donating the uniform and equipment. She also mentioned the benefit to learners who are voluntarily participating in the scholar patrol programme which focuses on ensuring the safety of learners who cross the N4 in Dinokana on a daily basis to and from school.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Marietjie Bekker thanked Bakwena and other stakeholders that made this initiative possible and emphasized the importance of such projects being in place to reduce the road carnage taking place in our country.
This road safety project has benefitted 80 learners and 16 teachers from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. The eight schools were Monnamere Primary school, Renonofile Primary school, Dikhudu Primary school, Moreotsile Primary school, Garaosenye Primary school, Keobusitse primary school, Bosugakobo Primary school & Ikalafeng Primary school.
Bakwena’s Drama for Change group entertained the scholars with one of their road safety plays highlighting basic fundamental pedestrian road safety crossing information.
The occasion also included the handover by Bakwena’s Operations Manager, Stephen Larkins, of First Aid Level 2 certificates to Bakwena’s Disaster Management Team who received training from the South African Red Cross Society.
Bakwena would like to thank the following stakeholders who have contributed towards the success of this programme; CapaSity, Department of Community Safety and Transport Management North West, Road Safety and Traffic Law Enforcement, North West Fire Department, South African Police Services, Kopanong Bahurutshe Taxi Association, RTMC, Principals, Teachers and the Department of Education.