MBOMBELA – The Public Protector’s provincial office embarked on the Take a girl child to work, a Cell C initiative, and welcomed 10 schoolgirls from grade 10 to 12 from disadvantaged backgrounds to their workplace last Thursday.

The learners were from Mhlume Secondary School in Clau Clau.
The main objective of the project was to inspire the girls to reach their full potential and to expose them to diverse careers and positive role models, particularly female ones who succeeded in surpassing all odds they faced.

The project also provided the opportunity for learners to make informed career decisions based on real work experience.

The theme for this year was: “Dream, achieve, believe” whereby the pupils were taken on a guided tour of the Public Protector’s Mpumalanga office and allowed to have interviews with staff members.

“The intention is for officials to adopt a female pupil on an ongoing basis, the creation of a mentor relationship throughout the educational life of these girls,” said Ms Winnie Manyathela, provincial representative of the Public Protector.

“We want to depart from the idea of opening the workplace doors for a girl child only once a year.

“We intend on creating a long and fruitful academic relationship with these kids, providing support and guidance during the most challenging times of their academic years,” continued Manyathela.

Officials of the Public Protector orientated the girls on the office’s investigation sections, including cases categorised as early resolutions, service delivery as well as good governance and integrity, support management and the outreach programmes run by the Public Protector.

They were also invited to the investigators’ board meetings where ideas were shared pertaining to ongoing investigations, approach to investigations and other related matters.