Trips for schools vital to educate pupils

EDUCATION MEC Senzo Mchunu has every reason to be deeply concerned about the number of pupils killed in road accidents, and his willingness to take strong action is welcomed.

Unfortunately, the decision he has taken is an emotional knee-jerk.

The process of education must include activities calling for social interaction and exposure to a wide range of experiences which cannot be provided within classroom walls.

This is particularly true of small rural schools where children must be exposed to a broader environment as well as to the challenges presented by sport and, more significantly, cultural and educational excursions.

The problem stems from the fact that education departments do little to cater for this essential educational dimension – it is all left to the initiative of individual schools which are to be commended on providing these wonderful opportunities.

Sadly, accidents do happen; and SA’s roads have become a nightmare for all of us. It is horrifying to note that the accident statistics from January to September show taxis and bakkies were involved in almost every case.

The practice of transporting children in open bakkies is – or should be – illegal; it certainly needs proper policing. The same applies to the driving and roadworthiness of far too many taxis on our roads.

I would urge the MEC, in the interest of sound educational principles, to reconsider. I suggest it is not necessary or desirable to put a stop to, or to institute a system of restrictive “permits” for school excursions.

His department should ensure that safe transport for those schools which need assistance is available to them.

In particular, he should to obtain the views of parents in communities throughout the province to enable him to understand how best to protect our children’s safety in the future. KEITH OLIVIER Pietermaritzburg information on the vehicle or the driver.

Let our children go to school and focus on their studies. PARENT Pinetown what about Human Rights Day and other non-religious holidays.

Why can’t Human Rights Day be held on the fourth Friday in March and Freedom Day the fourth Friday in April.

Worker’s Day could be the first Monday in May and Youth Day the third Friday in June.

Women’s Day could be the second Friday in August and Heritage Day the fourth Monday in September.

Surely this makes sense and we wouldn’t lose valuable working days. EDGAR WHITEFIELD

Durban and the “what if ” factor.

It is therefore up to Joe Public to decide for himself.

I love the low carb diet and recommend it. MALCOLM BUCKLEY

Umhlanga