08 February 2024 - The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison - Nomandla Bloem joined the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Lt.Gen, K.C Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner-Major Gen. Lekhele, for the SAPS Back to School Campaign to hand over school shoes to learners at Mecwetsaneng Primary School in the John Taolo Gaitsiwe District.
The multi - grade school which comprises of only 72 learners is remotely situated in the rural confines of Kuruman, in which school based needs and academic resources are a huge challenge, however the school serves as a beacon of hope, and a path to a better life for many learners.
The school principal, Ms Modise, highlighted a few challenges faced by the school; in which other children from the village enters the school premises to attack learners in the school, break ins, substance use, learner drop outs, school based needs. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the visit as this noble gesture will impact the learners in a positive way.
MEC Bloem, PC Otola and DPC Lekhele, handed over 80 pairs of school shoes to the school principal, to distribute to each and every learner. This outreach programme is part of the government intervention to form social compacts; in order to improve access to education, to relieve the plight of underprivileged pupils, and the ongoing commitment in supporting underprivileged pupils in their academic journey through the Back to School initiatives.
MEC Bloem said, “As the government, we must remove obstacles in the way and address safety concerns to promote a conducive learning environment.” She also pleaded with parents and communities to play an active role in ensuring children refrain from partaking in any wrongdoings. MEC Bloem continued to shift attention to learners to address them about illdiscipline, bullying, and the dangers of substance use.
This effort aims to improve the livelihoods of pupils in Mecwetsaneng, and to alleviate some of the challenges faced by pupils in their pursuit to access education. The outreach programme was attended by SAPS Brigadiers, SAPS and CPF members, Kgosi Selao and his committee, Cllr Tshotshe, ward committees, Department of Education officials, SGB members, learners and parents.
The day concluded with a few learners taking fingerprints, as a measure for easy tracing in the event of danger, and a vote of thanks done by Kgosi Selao from the Mecwetsaneng Village, who thanked MEC Bloem and PC Otola, including all stakeholders.
