Inqiwaneni Junior Secondary at kwaMsani in uMtubatuba today received a surprise early Christmas in the form of a Soup Kitchen to the value of R130 000 courtesy of the Schools Adoption Programme run by the Head of Provincial Treasury, Simiso Magagula.
In a bid to assist schools with speacial needs in the province, the Magagula initiated a Schools Adoption Programme, where he, with the assistance of the provincial Department of Education, identifies schools that need assistance.
Addressing the hall packed with district officials from Education Department, members of the School Governing Body and those of the local Ward Committee, school teachers and neighbouring communities, Magagula said that “My office with the assistance from the district education officials visited some schools in the area.
When officials from my office reported back, they reported about Inqiwaneni Junior Primary which happened to be the school where I did my primary learning in the seventies. I then felt that charity must begin at home. This then became the first school to benefit under my programme” said Magagula.
“Many challenges were identified at this school, including the dilapidating structure where kids are served with food under the school nutrition programme. My office then decided to build the kitchen for the school, but also to involve the community and be hands-on in the erection of the structure. We decided that we must come here today in a bid to motivate community to take care of the school infrastructure and also to encourage people to be hands-on in the development of their communities. When schools open in January, the structure will be finished and ready to serve the kids” said Magagula.
School Governing Body Chairperson, Mrs Thema Mbuyazi (0731041947) who also spoke on behalf of iNkosi Mkhwanazi and parents said “as parents we do not have words to thank the Provincial Treasury, and in particular Smiso Magagula for bringing us a better structure to serve food to our kids with dignity. Our concern is that most of the kids are from poor families yet they have to pay school fees.
We would like government to re-look at the quintile of this school, if they can also consider changing this school to be a no fee school”.
Speaking on behalf of the Education Head of Department, the District Manager Mr Thanduyise Motha explained that the department is re-looking at the quintile system at national level and also said that,“it is motivating to see all spheres of government taking education seriously. We are aware that it is not the mandate of the Head of Treasury or business sector to assist in this regard however the realisation on their part that education is everybody’s business is much appreciated.
The challenges mentioned by parents and the principal will be looked at and will be attended to as quickly as possible” said Motha.The Schools Adoption Programme will, in the New Year, spread to other districts.
For more information please contact:
Musa Cebisa
Cell: 071 687 8777
