POLOKWANE – The festive season is a perfect opportunity to look into the year that has been and to look into the future with hope and optimism for a brighter future, especially given the new normal that Covid-19 has subjected us to.

The challenges have been immense and we can only be thankful that we are still going on with the business of educating a Limpopo child. The 2021 academic year has been the most challenging, complex and unpredictable. The pandemic presented its challenges to the education system and imposed on us a new normal, a new way to conduct the business of delivering quality education to the thousands of learners who have been entrusted to us by parents, guardians and caregivers.

This was a year with its own set of challenges and unique circumstances, where many lessons were drawn to make the coming year a much better academic year. As we welcome Christmas and the New Year with all the joy, excitement and merriment that is part of the tradition, we do so secure in our minds that our education prevailed solely because of the collaboration and cooperation we received from all our stakeholders in the sector.

We worked together to manage the spread of Covid-19 in our schools and accordingly ensured that our educators and support staff are vaccinated in an effort to fight the spread of the pandemic. As a sector, we have a responsibility to be cautious and consider the effects of our actions on others. Our learners are encouraged to use the free time during the holidays to get vaccinated and we want them to know that vaccination is simple, safe and free.

We must emphasise the message that vaccines offer protection against Covid-19 and reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death. During this special time of the year, we are reminded to spread the message of love and mercy, especially to the vulnerable and the less fortunate. We are delighted to extend seasons’ greetings to all of our social partners and stakeholders for your commitment to ensure the department continues to provide quality basic education.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to our staff members, management, learners, parents and educators for their support in 2021. Your support during the year helped us on the journey to fulfil our mission to provide innovative and quality basic education. Let our learners stay safe and we urge parents to always know where their children are. It is equally important to be vigilant with regards to online violence or cyber bullying which can be devastating to children.

We must work together to stop online violence and abuse to protect our learners from any form of digital threats. Let us continue to wear masks, wash our hands and keep the required social distance. Education is a societal matter.

Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Limpopo MEC for Education, Polly Boshielo.