Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko recently visited schools in Mogale City to hand over school uniform to needy learners.
Accompanied by councillors from Mogale City Local Municipality, Speaker of the West Rand District Johanna Phiri, members of the Parliamentary Constituency Office, social workers, business people and members of local cooperatives; Mazibuko contributed piles of school uniform to five high schools.
Mazibuko said the provincial government has taken a determined decision to change the face of education in Gauteng.
“We are proud to expand the Bana Pele (Putting Children First) programme to schools in far-flung areas as well as those in townships. Education is a societal issue and we have taken a decision to play our part as social development to ensure that our leaners go to school well dressed and presentable,” said Mazibuko.
Bana Pele is a Gauteng Provincial Government initiative with a broader vision of making Gauteng a province ‘fit for children’ by ensuring that vulnerable and orphaned children between the ages of 0-18 years are able to access an integrated package of services through a single window.
Mazibuko added and said: “It is through schools that we are able to identify learners that are vulnerable in their respective homes. This programme is also extended to child headed families.
“Government wants to continue working with schools to identify other areas that need government intervention. We rely on educators to give us information on all matters concerning the education of our kids hence we started the year by donating school uniform,” she added.
More than 500 leaners benefited from the programme. The uniform package included a pair of shoes, jersey, shirt, socks, trousers and skirts for girls.
Mazibuko and her entourage visited schools in Hekpoort, Kromdraai, Munsieville and concluded her visit in Kagiso.
Kagiso Senior Secondary principal Vuyo Zali said: “We are proud to have the MEC in our school twice in less than a month. This really demonstrates government’s commitment towards our school and learners.”
Banks Phatswane, principal of Mosupatsela Senior Secondary expressed his gratitude: “We want to extend our gratitude to the MEC and her entourages in making sure that our learners come to school in proper uniform. While we acknowledge these gifts, we want to indicate that there are some areas that need government intervention and we would be happy if those could be attended to.”
“We are honoured to have government representatives visiting our school and making sure that the future of our leaners is taken care of. This visit shows that government is playing its role in changing the lives of our children.”