As part of his initiative to encourage youngsters to acquire knowledge that will strengthen their future employment prospects, Gauteng MEC of Finance Nkululeko Dunga visited Sunward Park High School on June 5, where he urged learners to trust the educational system and avoid teenage pregnancy and other social ills.
Along with a group of guests, the MEC spoke to hundreds of learners in the school hall, sharing a message about respect, personal accountability, and the value of education.
“Trust the schooling process because staying in school and completing matric is the gateway to further study and meaningful employment,” said Dunga.
“Teenage pregnancy remains a major barrier to finishing school, and you must prevent unintended pregnancies, as they interfere with your education.”
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The MEC also addressed gender relations, advising boys to respect girls in order to help prevent sexual assault and make schools safer.
He linked respectful behaviour to broader economic and social goals, stating that communities thrive and that pupils are more likely to complete their education when they treat each other with respect.
He also shared how some successful people he knows overcame challenges and graduated from higher education institutions or acquired important skills.
The visit was well received by the principal and teachers.
School principal Nadia Walljee thanked the visitors for sharing valuable information with learners, adding that tackling the issues currently facing young people requires stronger collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including the Department of Education, health services, and parents.
In his closing remarks, Dunga emphasised his department’s commitment to working hand in hand with schools to offer career guidance, bursary information, health education, counselling, and referral services.
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