A Surrey Estate man is on a drive to collect textbooks for Grade 12 pupils.
Mogamat Busby, 51, has been doing humanitarian work on the Cape Flats and says due to the pandemic, textbook deliveries are taking longer than usual resulting in many Grade 12s starting class without the necessary material.
He is now appealing to people who have textbooks lying around at home to donate them.
“I deliver hot meals to homes on the Cape Flats and I attended school meetings where I heard that there is a shortage of textbooks due to learners who did not return them.”
Mogamat says if people thought last year’s matrics had it tough, this year will be even tougher: “Remember, 2020’s matrics had a stable Grade 11, but then Covid-19 came which destabilized everything.
“Many matriculants did not return their textbooks and I want them to call me so I can collect and deliver them to the schools.”
He adds: “We are still experiencing job losses. I do not want parents to choose between buying a textbook or a meal for their home.
“The department might replace textbooks due to budget constraints. Children will either share available textbooks or their parents will be forced to buy for them.”
He urges the Class of 2020 to return school textbooks as they are needed.
“I am appealing to parents, encourage your children to tell you where they kept their textbooks and call me to come to collect them.”
Mogamat says he can drive as far as Khayelitsha to collect the books.
To return textbooks call Mogamat on 073 630 9702.