According to Sthembile Mhlongo, Ancyl secretary in Umjindi, the visits to the two schools were part of encouraging all first-time voters to register to vote in the upcoming elections next year.

“We are here to encourage those who do not have identity documents to go and apply for them. We are also here to motivate the learners to stay away from drugs and gangsterism,” she said.

They also gave away toiletries to the matrics.

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Speaking at KaMhola, Siyabonga Malandule, who is vying for the post of Ancyl secretary in Ehlanzeni, encouraged the learners to focus on their studies.

“We are saying to those who are doing grade 11 and 12 to focus on their studies, because you are in the senior phase of your education. Listen to your educators. You see us today, it is not that we are wise but because we listened to our teachers,” he said.

His words were echoed by Jabulani Mkhabela, who is also the ward councillor of the school’s area.

“We are tired of hearing stories of gangsterism happening here at the school.
“You as learners are here to learn. Respect one another. If you don’t pave your way now at school, you will suffer later,” he said.

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At Emjindini, Vusi Mkhatshwa, the leader of businesses at City of Mbombela Local Municipality,

told the learners that he was once a pupil at the school.

“Listen to each and every bit of advice given to you by your educators. When I was the same age as you while attending the school here, I was fortunate to be involved in choral music. I was never part of any gang. To be involved in singing shaped me into who I am today while many of my peers went astray,” said Mkhatshwa.