NEWS of donkey carts being donated to villagers in North West started a debate on social media.
While some felt that government is degrading people in rural areas, others said this was a good move by the provincial government.
This after North West Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Sello Lehari, handed over 20 scotch carts to some on Thursday, 3 November.
He said the 20 households from Dibono and Manawana villages outside Mahikeng have, for the first time, benefited from the non-motorised programme.
He said villagers use this mode of transport to clinics and shops, and pupils use it to get to school.
“This mode of transport has been used for a very long time. Years back we also travelled to school and shops using it.
“It’s a very reliable mode of transport when you take good care of these donkeys and maintain the cart,” Lehari said.
He said the 20 carts were locally manufactured and created a number of jobs for local communities.
“The appointed service provider has transferred skills to two local residents who will maintain and repair the carts for three years with expense or being paid by the department through the service provider,” he said.
Goitseone Gwai (45), a beneficiary who transports seven pupils, couldn’t hide his excitement.
“Lehari came at the right time with this delivery. My cart got a puncture on Wednesday, 2 November and I was really wondering how I was going to transport the pupils. We really appreciate this gesture,” he said.
Despite all the excitement by the recipients, some social media users said government should be ashamed for providing such to the community.
Chris Sabela wrote: “It’s clear this MEC represents a government that has no solutions to address social justice issues and injustices of the past.”
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Hasani Micky Mnengwani wrote: “Mxm, shame on this government who do not know which solutions but to enjoy keeping people more in poverty.”
However, other users said this was a good move by government.
Tshepiso Motshabi wrote: “Thank you MEC and the department. We are happy because it will benefit us as the community of Dibono and Mmanawana. Kerona rego kopileng donkey carts.”
