MEC visits Kwatsaduza for back-to-school programme

Kwatsaduza – As learners returned to school for the new year, the Gauteng provincial government kicked off their back-to-school campaign on Wednesday with MECs visiting different schools and ECDs.

The MEC of Finance, Jacob Mamabolo visited Asser Maloka Secondary School and Thakgalang Primary School in Duduza, ending his day programme at the Tsakane Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre.

The MEC was accompanied by Gauteng East district officials, two MMCs and a member of the Parliament National Assembly.

At Asser, Maloka distributed dignitary packs and school uniforms to the learners.

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Thakgalang School principal Malahli Nhlapo made a presentation to the MEC and other guests on the challenges of the school and the good performance of their learners.

Among the challenges Nhlapo mentioned was that the school can’t get sponsors due to the school being a quintile four school, even though they cater for children from poor communities. Nhlapo asked that they get to be moved to quintile three.

He also mentioned that their learners depend on social grants and donations.

The school is dilapidated as a result of ageing. Chalkboards are starting to fall, the roofs are leaking and the ceiling is starting to collapse.

“We also have no playgrounds, not enough Grade R classes, no sick bay, no lab or library, no school hall and a high number of undocumented learners,” said Nhlapo during his presentation.

The MMC of Community Safety, Khathushelo Rasinglingwane, promised that they will work hand in hand with the school to assist in terms of security.

The MMC of Infrastructure Services, Tambo Mokoena, said the SGB should take matters into their own hands to fix the school and not depend on the government too much.

Mamabolo said, “The presentation by the school shows that the school is indeed ready to start the year. The presentation should be forwarded to the Department of Education and steps will be taken into helping the school.”

The MEC further said that for all the issues that are being raised in different schools, the provincial government will conduct an analysis and assessment of the issues.

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“We have a government budgeting process where departments should, through the proper channels, submit the proper budgets to be assisted,” said Mamabolo.

“The SGB is encouraged to raise money and run fundraising programmes to make sure that if things that are damaged in the school are not of a structural nature, the SGB and the community and parents can look into that.

“We also encourage communities to make contributions to the well-being of the school and to make sure that proper learning and teaching take place.

“There are different government structures, we will be working with them to check as to how they are conducting particular support where issues have been raised. “We will also be making a follow-up on all schools in need of financial assistance.”