DAWEDE Primary School in Molweni was one of the beneficiaries of the school uniform distribution launched by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development in partnership with the Education Department and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). 

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According to the Department of Social Development spokesperson, Mhlaba Memela, the province was identified for the programme due to its high poverty levels as a result of unemployment and because many families were left homeless after the flood disasters last year. 

“This has necessitated the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to embark on a massive school-uniform distribution programme to ensure that needy children do not miss important learning time as a result of parents’ inability to purchase uniforms,” stated Memela. 

He further stated that the move is in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004, which allows for Social Relief of Distress to be issued in a financial and non-financial manner.

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“Government’s provision of school uniforms promotes access to education and makes compulsory schooling for children aged seven to 15 accessible so as to ensure that they have access to quality education without discrimination,” said Memela.   

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, together with Provincial Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza, visited the school on Friday, January 27 to hand over school uniforms to flood victims and disadvantaged learners. 

“Education remains an apex priority of the government, department and its agency, Sassa, which is committed to playing their role in ensuring that all children of school age are in class,” said the department.

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