From as early as January 9 this year, conversations about repairing school desks at Alexandra High School had already begun.

Now, more than two months later, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Zone 13 members have delivered on their promise of fixing and delivering over 145 tables to Alex High for use by matric learners.

Read more: Infrastructure challenges make Alexandra schools almost unusable

On Friday, party members gathered at a ten-class facility meant to accommodate only half the number of Alex High matriculants. What some might call a political campaign was, to them, a declaration of commitment to supporting local schools.
“These are our future leaders. We are fighting for their future,” said Bafana Mahlabe, member of the Gauteng provincial legislature.

The initiative was a direct response to the challenges learners are facing. While Alexandra High has long been known for strong performance among schools in the community, last year’s matric results showed a drop to about 78%.

Mahlabe emphasised that initiatives like this would help learners refocus and improve. “The learners are now able to concentrate, write better, and also perform better. We are appreciative of what happened here.”

For principal Mzamani Chauke, the help could not have come at a better time. He said it was very touching to witness just how they are supported by the community as a school.

“Some of these things are very emotional. The moment you realise that you are among people who support and love you, you feel that you won’t disappoint.”

Also read: The Congress of South African Students disrupts learning at Alexandra high schools over infrastructure crisis

He added that the initiative sends a clear message to learners which that they must work on their future. “They are not going to disappoint us or you, because the message here is very simple, it is to say they must prepare for their future. To teachers, it is that they are not alone. From where we are, our intention is not to disappoint you.”

School governing body member Alima Mbewe also extended her appreciation to the community.

“I don’t have a lot of words, but we are grateful as the parents of these learners. Some of you who have been doing this work are parents yourselves. So, it goes to show that we are one at heart, and when we are one at heart, work is successfully undertaken.”

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