By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Learners from disadvantaged communities are urged to be resilient in their pursuit for education. This was said by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape, who visited various schools as part of the Back To School campaign.
Maape visited Ikhutse Combined School, which is situated at a farm outside Potchefstroom. He also visited Resolofetse Secondary School in Ikageng Township, as well as Ferdinand Secondary School and Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom.
“This initiative is aimed at assessing the readiness of schools in this academic year. Remember, education has the ability to change the socio-economic conditions of learners in poor and marginalised communities.
“It is only through education that you can change your life and that of those around you even if you are in a farm school. While the government is intervening through various means to ensure you are taught in a conducive environment, you are also obligated to work hard,” said Maape.
He further appealed to learners to build a strong character, which will enable them to overcome a number of social ills afflicting the youth. Maape added that, character will always help the learners to overcome a number of challenges confronting them
“It will give you the ability to say no to drug and alcohol abuse. Therefore, it remains your responsibility to build a strong character. You can achieve this by listening to your teachers and parents,” he said.
Maape maintained that, since the advent of democracy, the government has initiated and passed various pieces of legislation aimed at addressing inequalities in the education sector.
Meanwhile, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) chairperson in North West, Paul Sebegoe who visited various schools in Rustenburg said, there was a delay on delivery of stationery at some schools. Debegoe 0urged the North West Department of Education to act with speed to resolve the supplier challenge, which has impacted negatively on the state of readiness for the reopening of schools.
“There were admission challenges experienced at two schools we visited on Wednesday around Rustenburg. However, we are satisfied with measures put in place by the department to attend to queries as well as resolve disputes and ensure that all learners seeking admission are placed.
“Both schools will understandably always be under pressure due to their reputable performance and high standards hence twinning with other neighbouring schools should be explored to share best practice, pristine facilities, innovation and the passion that defines the institutions,” he said.
Sebegoe said the external pressure groups targeting the two schools in order to gain admission, should approach the district hub for resolutions of their cases instead of opting for intimidation and other unlawful tactics.
He underscored that, leadership is critical for schools to perform hence the principal of Kloof View Primary, Serokolo Mphahlele was the winner of the 2021 National Teachers Award and the school team scooped the 2022 National Chess Championship.
The Guardian 