By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, led the school reopening programme campaign by providing school uniform and dignity packs to leaners from various schools around Evaton in Sedibeng to mark the start of the 2024 academic year.
Flanked by the Head of the Department, Matilda Gazela, Emfuleni Municipality mayor, Sipho Radebe and the popular social activist Nhlanhla Lux, MEC Hlophe further handed over garden tools to the schools.
About hundred and fifty (150) learners from Qedilizwe Secondary School received a full package of school uniform and dignity packs for girls, and Beverlly Hills Secondary School in the Evaton West received the similar number for children who are less fortunate.
Gauteng Provincial Government provides school uniform and dignity packs as part of Bana Pele programme, which seeks to ensure that learners stays in schools despite their socio-economic backgrounds.
Addressing the learners, Hlophe said young people must be focused and chose to use education as a weapon that will change the situations in their families.
“We know that many of you are coming from the disadvantaged background but if you are focusing on your education, you can become a generation that liberate their families and become agents of change in your communities,” she said.
The MEC reiterated that education is the foundation of everything in life, especially if one is determined to succeed. She urged all students to take education seriously, stating that it is the only path to success.
Hlophe said many people who are successful and are able to maintain their success never took education for granted. She said it was imperative for them to listen to their teachers so that they can become whatever they want to be in the future.
“We are here today to provide you with school uniform but also show you that we support you and we want you to succeed, especially those who are going to be in grade 12 this year,” she added.
She said the visit to the schools was part of response to a clarion call by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to all MEC’s to conduct oversight visits to schools across the province and to assess their state of readiness for the new academic year.
Musa Keys, a well-known record producer, stated that his successful music career is dependent on education, and he never underestimated the value of education as the industry needs it.
Khaya Mthembu and Leera Mthethwa, Gomora actors, urged young learners to dream big, but cautioned against not backing up their goals with education.
Mthethwa emphasized that despite her many accomplishments as an actor, she is still studying.
