Former President Nelson Mandela’s hospitalisation was prominent on the minds of pupils attending the opening of the African Education Week in Sandton, Johannesburg on Thursday.

The pupils thanked Madiba for opening the doors to learning in the country. The former president has spent almost two weeks in hospital. He is receiving treatment for a recurring lung infection.

It will be an early start to their quest for education as the young minds gathered at the Education Exhibition. The event will cover various educational areas – including career choices and finding a job after matric.

However, it was Madiba’s condition that took centre stage with touching messages for the elder statesman. One pupil says, even though he has not touched his hand, one day he will because he knows and believes he is going to be fine.

Other says they all love him because if it was not for him they would not be free today. “You have inspired us as the youth and we wish you a speedy recovery, we pray for him to get well,” were some of the messages sent to Madiba. The messages for Madiba will be sent to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Addressing the gathering, AGANG’s leader Dr. Mamphele Ramphele says young people have a bleak future ahead of them under the current education system. Ramphele says authorities are violating the rights of poor children everyday and they have to put a stop to that. “We need to raise the bar. It is time for us to stop having low expectations of our children where we think 30% is good enough for them. This is an insult because South African children are as bright any child in the world,” says Ramphele.

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