Schweizer-reneke: Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, handed over school shoes to learners from nine schools in the Greater Taung and Mamusa Local Municipalities at the Uurpan Safari Lodge. The handover event aimed to support education and uplift communities in the North West Province.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event was attended by community leaders, education stakeholders, and representatives from government departments and partner organisations committed to supporting learners in rural communities. Deputy Minister Morolong highlighted the importance of restoring dignity in education by sharing the impactful story of a young boy who walked long distances to school without proper shoes. He emphasized that basic necessities like school shoes can profoundly impact a learner's life.
The initiative was part of larger efforts to bolster education and community empowerment in the region. Morolong acknowledged the crucial role of educators and school leadership in shaping young people's futures. The event also celebrated two retiring school principals for their significant contributions to education and community development.
The programme was made possible through collaboration between government entities like Infrastructure South Africa, Brand South Africa, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), with support from private sector partners such as KPMG. This partnership enabled hundreds of learners to receive school shoes, allowing them to attend school with dignity.
Deputy Minister Morolong stressed the importance of collaboration between government, business, and communities in nation-building. He urged communities to protect and support schools as vital spaces for learning, emphasizing that education is a collective responsibility.
Addressing the learners at the event, Morolong encouraged them to wear their new school shoes with pride and stay focused on their education, envisioning futures as doctors, teachers, scientists, and leaders. The handover programme is part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen communities and ensure that every child in South Africa has the opportunity to learn and succeed, marking a step taken with dignity.