BUSHBUCKRIDGE – “Get 100 %, I will build you brand new schools, ” Said Premier David Mabuza to learners last Thursday.
Mabuza made a commitment on Thursday, September 12 with the principals of Orhovelani, Bombani and Mafemani high schools in Thulamahashe when he visited them to handover computers donated by a mobile phone operator and some emerging contractors.
Seeing the Premier in their schools, all three principals did not waste an opportunity to ask for libraries, sports grounds, computer centres, science laboratories, administrative blocks and new additional classes as they all complained that their schools were old and did not have such facilities.
After asking their previous performance which averaged 70 percent for three schools, Mabuza was shaken that all schools aimed at getting only 85 percent in this year. The Premier expressed concern about the rest of the learners that they would fail.
“I am saddened that you are deliberately planning that 15 percent of our children should fail. You do not have a good plan for your learners. I know your situation very well that it is very difficult, but I am not expecting anything less than 100 percent from you.
“I am putting my head on the block that if you get 100 percent, you will get your brand new schools. This is indeed achievable. I must tell you, it is not nice that we are sitting here and planning that some of our children should fail. This is not acceptable, I cannot accept failure. All the children must do well in their exams, otherwise there is danger lying ahead of us.
“I appreciate the little efforts you have done thus far, but I expect more from your schools. If we plan failure it means we will have no future. These children will suffer for the rest of their lives. This therefore means they will have to become criminals one day in order to survive in this harsh world,” said Mabuza.
Since all the principals verbally and enthusiastically assured the Premier that they would improve their results, Mabuza subsequently demanded that all four parties sign what he termed the “Thulamahashe Accord” committing all three schools to get 100 percent pass rate and that he will also provide the new schools in the event they succeeded.
Mabuza conceded that the three schools were dilapidated and that they deserved new facilities; but they however needed to work for them. He said he hoped the donation of the tablets and the computers by Cell C, Malibongwe Construction and Mayor Construction would inspire the learners to work hard and do well on their matric results.
Cell C donated 24 tablets and three laptops for Mafemani High School while Malibongwe Construction and Mayor Construction each donated 10 computers at Orhovelani and Bombani high schools respectively.
The tablets are interactive and have an electronic whiteboard and a printer. Whilst the computer kit forms a mobile lab, it has wi-fi network and a tutorial portal which will make it easy for both the teachers and the learners to access internet for their school work.
Appreciating the donation, Mabuza said it was encouraging to see both government and the private sector sitting on one table “talking education and the future” of the children from the rural areas. He said it was a good development and the private sector should continue to invest in the future of other children.
Mabuza also motivated the learners explaining that they needed to concentrate on their studies regardless of the problems they faced in their lives. He said education would free them from poverty.
“I am aware that as black people we come from different and painful backgrounds. You probably did not have breakfast this morning when you left home, and the government might be giving you a not-so-nice food. The only thing that will take you out of poverty is nothing but your education. Make use of this time to the fullest, one day you will definitely buy your own nice food with your own money.
“Being at school is a very interesting journey of growing up; it is full of excitement and has many challenges. You must therefore navigate this road very carefully, if you pretend to know everything, you are bound to fail in life. Leave issues of marriage to old people, these will create even bigger and more problems for you.
“Our hope is in you. Stop wandering around the streets during school time, concentrate on your studies. If you are educated, you will lead this country correctly one day. As parents we will also reap this investment we are making on you. If you leave school, you will be on poverty until you die,” said Mabuza.
