The Gauteng Provincial Government led by Premier David Makhura has today launched a school readiness campaign, visiting various schools in the province to assess and observe the first day of learning and teaching for the 2021 academic year.

MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko. Photo by Nkosinathi Xulu

As part of this campaign, the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko visited Lakeside Secondary School in Palm Springs, Khutlo-Tharo Secondary School in Sebokeng, Tokelo Secondary School in Evaton and Poelana Secondary School in Evaton.

The Principal of Lakeside highlighted that the main challenge the school is facing is burglary. The school is burglarized almost on a weekly basis and this is severely affecting teaching and learning. The MEC requested more police visibility on and around the school premises and asked the community to work with law enforcement officers in a bid to curb these burglaries. He said that the smart boards are not working due to equipment theft.

Mr David Nkitseng, Lakeside Secondary School Principal. Photo by Constance van Niekerk

He also added that as part of the school strategy, only 20 learners will be accommodated in a classroom, meaning that the school will be divided into two halves to ensure social distancing.

Khutlo-Tharo Secondary School principal indicated that their main challenge is that learners are being exposed to drugs.

All four schools visited displayed a state of the art compliance to the covid19 regulations. The schools’ kitchens were buzzing with the food scheme team preparing food for the learners and ready to tackle the new term.

Lakeside High School feeding scheme, photos by Constance van Niekerk

The MEC gave uniforms to several learners at each school that she visited.

Photo by Nkosinathi Xulu

Also joining the campaign was the  Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Executive Mayor, Councillor Gift Moerane among other dignitaries.

Photos: Nkosinathi Xulu

Every learner that was interviewed expressed happiness to be back in school after such a long time. The parents couldn’t be happier, “At least at school, the learners are being monitored, unlike at home where they do anything anyhow. They’re safer at school than at home. I am very happy that schools are finally open and I am very satisfied with the service that I saw here at Lakeside Secondary School,” says one parent.

The campaign will run until Wednesday the 17th of February.

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