16 May 2016

Kgosi Keleofile Phihadu of Werda has said school going children in his village continued to ditch their studies at an alarming rate despite numerous counter interventions measures placed to abate the situation. 

Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, Mr Phihadu stated that students absconded from the classroom in search of employment opportunities in ranches around Werda and Hereford areas albeit their age not permitting them to be involved in any form of work as per the international labour law standards. 

Mr Phihadu pointed out that most of these children were attracted by the prospect of paid employment and the need to fend for themselves. 

According to Phihadu, economic difficulties at times coerced children to follow their parents to the respective farms. He lamented that some parents left children on their own in their homes promising to return after raising enough to support the family but a few parents turn edsuch promises into reality. 

“ When school term re-opens, parents come back from the farms with the view of registering their children. After completing this process, they leave their children to struggle on their own,” said Kgosi Phihadu. Kgosi Phihadu said the situation is exacerbating as some of these children skip the Hereford border post, unlawfully, to seek better economic opportunities in South Africa.

Having deserted an institution that promotes discipline and upright moral upbringing, Mr Phihadu noted that these children end up displaying decadent behavior in  the society. “ With a misinformed idea that they are now adults who are able to take care of themselves, such children take on drugs and abuse alcohol, the lifestyle which I strongly believe  destroys their future,” said the  tribal leader.  ENDS