Three months after visiting Bertrams Junior School for the first time, the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, returned to the school on October 15.
The minister visited the school in July when it celebrated its 100th birthday on July 18, a day shared with Nelson Mandela.
“Since my last visit to the school, Bertrams has been close to my heart,” said Motshekga, who visited the school to deliver school shoes for some of the learners.
“The school is old but is still standing because of the commitment of the staff and community working together.
“A disadvantaged school has nothing, but with the support system this school has created with businesses in the area and people who have adopted it, Bertrams Junior has made do with the little they have. This school makes me proud,” said Motshekga.
She said during her July visit to the school she noticed a number of learners without school shoes and uniforms.
“I was touched that despite this, the learners still made it to school. I saw a need that had to be addressed. No child should be unable to attend school because they don’t have the basic necessities,” said Motshekga.
She said the department’s focus is not only on education but also the well-being of the learners.
Also read: Izithombe 2094 showcases Bertrams
“This donation is not from the department but from young people who work closely with the department in filling gaps that the department is not able to address. I’m proud of these young people who are always willing to assist when the department requests assistance,” said Motshekga.
Shoes were donated by S3Services and Projects.
Sphiwe Nhlapo, the director of S3Services, said they were happy to respond to the minister’s request for help when she told them about the needs of the school and its learners.
“When we were growing up, it was not easy going to school without the basics. We understand the struggle and that was one of the reasons we were honoured to be able to make a difference in the learners’ schooling. We have made a commitment as S3Services to fill the gaps where the department cannot. We want to meet the needs of less fortunate learners and the department to focus on education,” explained Nhlapo.
“When the minister called us to help we were touched by what the school has achieved with the little they have. We wanted to give learners something that will make a difference. If you look good in your uniform you feel good and can focus on your education rather than worrying about a broken shoe,” said Nhlapo.
Also read: Educating children for 100 years
The minister said the school is a perfect example of a school that works with its community.
“Since I came to the school I have been sharing its success with other schools. I’m not saying the government has to neglect their duties and expect schools to carry the load, but we also need assistance when we are failing and Bertrams is a school that puts the needs of the learners first,” said Motshekga.
“I would like to thank the community members who have adopted the school and made it their own.
“People like Laura Wegener, Chris Lister-Janes and others who have been with the school give you hope. They selflessly give their time to assist and I thank them,” said Motshekga.
She said she was especially proud to see former learner Peter Mbimala, who works closely with the school.
“We need young people who are willing to give back to their communities and make the difference,” said Motshekga.
The minister was also accompanied by parliamentary constituency office members Joan Fubbs, Mpapa Kanyane, Sandiso Mgengwana and Thandeka Sithole.
