Members of the Patriotic Alliance in Kimberley have embarked on a school cleaning campaign after snakes were found in the school yard at Endeavour Primary School in Colville recently.
MEMBERS of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) in Kimberley have embarked on a school cleaning campaign after snakes were found in the school yard at Endeavour Primary School in Colville recently.
The party members kicked off the campaign at Endeavour Primary in order to create a safer environment for pupils after two snakes were discovered on the grounds.
The party committed to also cleaning up other schools in the Colville area, such as Progress Primary, Floors North High and Beacon Primary, as part of the campaign.
The PA’s Rashad Jaffer said the initiative is paid for out of their own pockets. They are being funded by their provincial premier candidate, Shariffa Ferris.
According to Jaffer, they have 13 volunteers to who they pay a stipend.
He said they took the initiative after a “huge” snake was found on the corner of Ash and Recreation roads this week. Community members killed the snake.
Jaffer added that a snake had apparently bitten someone in the same area a few years ago and they had died.
“It is important for us to allow our children to enjoy a good quality education instead of worrying about their safety and being bitten by snakes,” said Jaffer.
“It is petrifying for us, because the safety of the community, teachers and learners is at stake, while our local municipality is turning a blind eye.”
He noted that the snakes were found near the classrooms.
“We are also in the process of cleaning the sports ground between Floors High and Endeavour Primary schools.
“We are also busy identifying more schools.”
He urged the community not to kill snakes, but to contact them, or a snake handler whenever they come across one.
