Programme Directors, Mr Mfana Lushaba and Pretty D
MEC for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, Dr
Clifford Mkasi
Ehlanzeni District Executive Mayor, Councillor Khosi Mkhonto
Executive Mayor: Mbombela Municipality, Councillor Lassy Chiloane
Head of Department, Mrs Mahlasedi Mhlabane
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Education
Members of Senior Management
School Governing Bodies
Political structures
Principals
Circuit managers
Congress of South African Students
Principals
Labour Unions
Educators
Civic organisation
Community members
Council of churches
Learners
Sanibonani.
I take this time to extend our warm greetings to all of you who have made it to this event. I am more than grateful to be in the company of your good selves.
We are delighted that this day has finally come to fruition when we can collectively express our appreciation for the work well done. Today is significant and symbolic of the intentions of government in improving the lives of our people.
This function clearly states that we are winning the war against ignorance and the social ills related to illiteracy and lack of access to quality education.
I take this time to acknowledge the good work and sacrifices of all role players, personalities and structures who took upon themselves to ensure that the construction of these schools is accelerated. Today, we can all stand proud that indeed our energies and contributions have yielded positive results.
These two schools are indeed the state of the art full service schools that should forever remain the pride of the province and the Mattafin Community in particular.
Since John Mdluli Primary and Cyril Clarke Secondary Schools are not ordinary schools, I would expect that we do everything possible to protect and preserve them. They must always stand as the legacy of the democratic order and true centre for community growth and development.
This can only be done if excellence, efficiency and extra commitment to teaching and learning programmes could be the order of the day. This handover also marks a collaborative relationship between the community and the department.
To achieve excellence and efficiency would also need our collaboration and co-operation from all fronts. It is therefore important that we pull together for the good of our children and the country.
As a community, the people of Mattafin must be proud of these schools because they must produce all types professionals needed in the economy for the improvement of their lives.
The excellent physical state of these schools calls for excellent teaching and learning to take place and excellent pass performance. You are aware that each of these schools consist of 20 classrooms, computer center, a library, laboratory, kitchen, Sport facilities, adequate toilets, electricity, and water supply and are properly fenced. All the amenities needed for a 21st century school are found
in both John Mdluli and Cyril Clarke. This does not leave any room for mediocrity and failure. Our belief is that these amenities are fertile ground for success and excellence.
About 1300 learners stand to benefit not only from teaching and learning endevours that would be offered here but the excellent service and infrastructure.
These two schools will help to alleviate overcrowding, lack of resources and are adding impetus to our quest to limit challenges of learner admission in Mbombela.
Judging by the performance of Cyril Clarke in their grade 12 examinations, I am convinced that this school will be the hub for outstanding scholastic achievements.
Last year, Cyril Clarke produced 76% in grade 12 results and I want the current candidates to promise us 100% this year. It is possible through hard work and extra dedication.
You will this time have no excuses because unlike other children elsewhere your schools are not only beautiful but are strategically positioned to help you focus.
I want to relive what I said at the occasion of the sod turning event on 3 December 2009; I said the MEC for education said, “Mattafin will no longer be the same again because the children will wholly benefit from being at school and as such all such social ills which were in one way or the other bedeviling this community resulting from the challenge of not having decent schools will cease
to exist.
The children in this community will enjoy learning in a way that learner drop out will be a thing of the past, there will be improved learner performance and levels of motivation will be enhanced.” I reiterate this plea and urge members of this community to make an effort to ensure that all children of school going age attend schools and learn every day.
That all children who have already been admitted to school attend classes from grade one up to grade 12 and not drop out. I have been reliable informed that there is a disturbing tendency of learner dropout within this community.
I want to take this time an urge everyone present here to help us mitigate the challenge of learner dropout. All parents present here are requested to heed the call for compulsory education and also ensure that a conducive environment for children to do their school work and study at home is provided.
At the same time we must ensure that the furniture and property of these schools remains protected from vandalism and theft. The hand over function states that the community takes ownership of the school.
Please take good care of these schools as if they are your own properties meant to benefit your children and their children. Allow the schools to be beautiful and new all the time so that they could be preserved for the future generations.
As a parting shot, let me once more take this time to extend our appreciation to all the people who made it possible that this happens, the contractors, consultants, structures within this community, officials from the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.
We really appreciate your benevolence and selflessness. What you did here will always live in our mind and hearts. South Africa is blessed to have personalities of your calibre, keep up the good work.
I wish you all the best in all your teaching and learning endeavours.
Ngiyabonga
Source: Mpumalanga Department of Education
Speech by the MEC for Education, Mrs Reginah Mhaule at the occasion of the official handover of Mattafin Schools i.e. John Mdluli Primary and Cyril Clarke Secondary School
Province
