Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty was part of a high-level delegation that visited Lutshaya Senior Secondary School in Lusikisiki on the occasion of coastal schools opening for their 2013 schooling year. The visit took place on Wednesday, 16 January 2013, with Deputy Minister Surty accompanying Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet and other senior education officials.
The main aim of the visit was to ascertain the extent of the schools’ progress since the Deputy Minister and the Deputy President’s last visit to the school in 2012. In response to appeals made during the 2012 visit, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) supplied a Technology Tool Kit and laptop to Lutshaya SSS. Teachers were also trained on how to utilise the kit.
Addressing learners during the visit, Deputy Minister Surty stated that many of the challenges that were identified in the province at that time have now been resolved; thanks to the DBE’s intervention in the Eastern Cape.
“When last we were here there were challenges; these included issues with school feeding; scholar transport and resource provision. We have worked with the Eastern Cape Department of Education to address these issues,” the Deputy Minister said.
“Today we can celebrate the fact that scholar transport systems; the school feeding scheme as well as textbook and workbook delivery systems in this province are fully functional. The class of 2012 broke the 60% National Senior Certificate barrier and we are now in a position to go beyond that.” Deputy Minister Surty added.
“It is due to the will of the people in the province that these challenges had been overcome. All you learners can achieve your best if you believe in yourselves and work hard. In the learners of this school I see an energy and self-belief. If you make the effort, you will succeed!” Deputy Minister Surty concluded.
