The Human Settlements Department minister, Ms Mammoloko Kubayi, visited two schools in Govan Mbeki Municipality on Wednesday, January 12.
Her visit was part of a back to school programme to welcome and support learners and teachers on the first day of school.
The minister visited Thistle Grove Combined School in Kinross and Kusasalethu Secondary School in eMbalenhle where she interacted with new matriculants.
“Some people undermine the importance of education. Many of us would not be here if it had not been for education.
“The environment where you come from must not determine your destination. I am from a poor background and I know the pain of studying by candlelight at night.
“I know the pain of living in a shack and having difficult conditions in which to study.
“As the government, we provide every support that students need.
“Attend extra classes, whether it is over a weekend or in the school holidays, to start building a future for yourself,” said the minister to learners.
She even promised learners that anyone from the two schools who will beat the two distinctions she obtained in matric by five distinctions, will each receive R5 000.
The minister was accompanied by the Govan Mbeki executive mayor, Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, and speaker, Ms Fikile Magagamela.
Minister Kubayi interacted with school principals and schools management teams (SMTs) about the challenges faced by each school also handed over sanitary towels, cleaning materials and sanitisers.
Mpumalanga Legislature chief whip, Mr Fidel Mlombo, also visited Osizweni Secondary School and K.I.Thwala Secondary School where he gave learners sanitary towels, cleaning materials and sanitisers.
“The executive caucus in the province agrees that all MECs should visit schools to check the school’s readiness for teaching and learning.
“We have a challenge of drug abuse, gangsterism and teenage pregnancy in our schools. A 10-year-old gave birth on Christmas in our province.
“As leaders, we have to discourage such things in our schools and promote education,” said Mr Mlambo.
Mr Zuma promised to give learners at Thistle Grove Combined School and Kusasalethu Secondary School full bursaries if they obtain five distinctions in matric.
