Programme director
Colleague and Member of the Executive Council (MEC): Reverend Johannes Tselapedi
The Mayor of Ramotshere Moiloa municipality: Councillor M P Pilane
Officials from the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport
From the department of Education
The principal of the school and staff
My dear learners
Good day to you all.
Allow me to start off with an apology to the principal, his staff and all the bright looking learners gathered here today. Our coming here was initially planned in such a way that, there should be minimum disruption to teaching and learning. In fact, it was my wish, dear principal that we come here very early. To join you during the morning assembly and take just a few minutes of your time, so that we give your teachers and all of you, space to proceed with your day’s work.
I am saying this, because we as leaders in government encourage learners to be in class and on time. We encourage your teachers to teach during school hours.
However, due to other important engagements in the provincial parliament this morning, we had to reschedule this function to this hour. We will not take long and I hope when you go back to class after this, you will do so revitalised to continue from where you left before we came in. I have come to you, to officially hand over this institution of learning which my department; Public Works, Roads and Transport built for this community. MEC Tselapedi, this project started on 12 July 2006 and was completed on 4 June 2007. The entire structure is made of:
* 12 class rooms
* administration building
* parking areas
* area for learners to assemble
* open walkway and
* 20 toilets
It took us approximately nine months to complete this project at the cost of more than R8,3 million.
Ladies and gentlemen, the first delivery of the new Henryville Primary School was in June 2007 as I mentioned earlier. In total, 457 learners from Grades one to seven are currently the proud beneficiaries of our initiative. During the construction period, 69 jobs mostly for people from around here were created.
I am also informed that some of the construction workers employed during the construction phases, their children are learners at this very school I am handing over today. 15 of the jobs I am talking about went to women without skills. The same to 34 men and there were 30 male artisans. All these men and women, mostly from the local community, put shoulder to the wheel, as a collective in the spirit of Ubuntu to help us create a facility of learning which is a hallmark to the education needs of their children and for generations to come.
I am satisfied with the quality of the workmanship. The architecture of this school also complements your warm reception. It also bears testimony that effective learning and teaching can only succeed in an enabling environment.
This is one of the many initiatives, that as government, we do not want to see any learner being taught under a tree. Regarding the historical significance of the school and who Cyril John Henry was, your MEC for education who is here with me, will deal with that.
In conclusion, programme director
May I take this opportunity to please appeal to the 457 learners? This is your school and you have to be proud of it. Look after it. Do not vandalise it. Do not break the window panes. Become the ears and eyes of your principal and teachers. If you know of people who come to steal your desks, chairs or your sports equipment from the strong room, do not be afraid to report them. But also report to your teachers and to the police, all those you suspect want destroy and disrupt your schooling. I’m talking about those who may attempt to sell you drugs in the vicinity of this school or even back home.
I thank you and my you enjoy what your teachers can offer at this wonderful school.
Ke a leboga!!!
Contact:
Matshube Mfoloe
Cell: 018 387 2447
Cell: 082 305 4594
E-mail: mmfoloe@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, North West Provincial Government
25 August 2009
Source: Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za/)
