On the 18 July 2010 the world will celebrate Nelson Mandela Day and the Gauteng Provincial Government has decided to focus the day on education. In celebrating former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy we will remember that he taught us that we have to put our country first above every other personal interest. He taught us that service to humanity, especially to the vulnerable, the marginalised the less fortunate and the poorest of the poor, was the greatest contribution that anyone could ever make in their lifetime. On 18 July, we will celebrate 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless services to the people of South Africa.
It is this immensely inspiring man’s service to humanity that the Gauteng government invites parents to go schools in their locality and assist with cleaning of schools, cutting grass, removing weeds, cleaning windows and toilets, etc.
GPG MECs will be deployed to various schools in the districts to lead the process of cleaning schools as well as planting trees. Education MEC Ms Barbara Creecy will visit schools in Winterveld, Tshwane. The programme will run on Saturday and Sunday, starting with a sports day on Saturday for learners. Parents are invited to participate in the school cleaning campaign on Saturday. On Sunday, a fun run has been organised for the community in the morning culminating in a prize giving ceremony in the afternoon following the finals of the sports programme for learners.
Finally, the Gauteng Provincial Government requests the business community to contribute funds towards minor infrastructural repairs of schools in poor communities in the spirit of Mandela Day. These are repairs that can be carried out during on the day and include minor repairs such as plumbing and electrical works.
A list has been placed on our website on www.gautengonline.gov.za under the Gauteng Department of Education and businesses can choose which school they would like to support.
The department is calling on the business sector to play a role in one of three ways:
- Adopt a school
- Implement repairs and renovation programme (fixing windows, ceilings, doors, fences etc)
- Donate funds towards improving our school’s infrastructure to the Gauteng Education Development Trust (GEDT)
Any business that would like to contribute to this noble initiative is requested to contact Niths Palani of the Gauteng Department of Education on 011 355 0288 or 083 410 3454.
For more information contact:
Charles Phahlane
Tel: 011 355 1530
Cell: 071 860 4496
