Boko Haram, an Islamic militant group abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria in April and eight girls in May, and countries in Africa and abroad have launched a campaign to bring the girls back.
Addressing pupils at the college, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga applauded them for their heartfelt concern for the kidnapped schoolgirls. Motshekga said, “As a Midrand resident I am proud that a Midrand school has taken initiative to show support for the Nigerian girls. We want all our leaders to stand together and use all resources available to them to bring back the girls.
“We do not just want the abducted girls back, but we want them alive and well. Real men do not abuse women and children. We ask that all Africans work together to bring back the abducted Nigerian girls.”
Motshekga added that the girls were abducted just before writing exams. “Not only are their lives disrupted but, Boko Haram, is trying to destroy their chance at continuing with their education,” she said.
ANC PR councillor Majasana Maringa said the abduction of the girls was cruelty at its best. “Imagine what the girls families are going though? said Maringa. “Pray for them. But, I am proud to be associated with Blue Hills College, the time you have taken to show your support is not in vain.”
College principal Jabulani Donga said the abduction of Nigerian schoolgirls was uncalled for. “As a school we felt the need to show our support for the Nigerian girls and ask that they be released.”
Miss Earth South Africa 2013, Ashanti Mbanga visited the college to show her support of the campaign. She said, “What happened to the Nigerian girls is not right, we need to do all we can to make sure they are brought back.”
Blue Hills College pupil, Nobuhle Nukeri said, “This protest is a cry for help, bring back our sisters.”
After the address by Motshekga and other invited guests, pupils and teachers peacefully marched on Summit Road to Olievenhout Plaza in Midrand. Midrand police and Metro police officers guided marchers and managed traffic.
Upon arrival at Olievenhout Plaza, centre manager Kenneth Masha told Midrand Reporter that when he heard about the march he did not hesitate to offer the shopping centre as the end point of the march. “No one can hear what happened to Nigerian girls and remain unmoved,” he said. “The centre will do what it can to show support of such a great campaign.”
