MEC encourages learners to do Mathematics and Sciences

VAALBANK – With the matric exams already under way, the MEC for human settlements, Mr Speedy Mashilo and the ANC chief whip in the provincial legislature, Mr Johan Mkhatshwa have responded to the government’s call to increase maths and science graduates.
Both Mashilo and Mkhatshwa were speaking during the official handover of a brand-new automatic electric wheelchair to a 22-year-old matric learner, Sinah Shongwane at Hlalakahle High School on Monday.

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“We want to encourage our young people to concentrate on studying maths and science so we can produce more and more qualified scientists and pilots from this province. We are aware that the apartheid system used to discourage blacks from studying these subjects because they wanted us to feel useless and inferior. But we have opened the doors of learning and the ball is in your court,” said Mashilo when addressing the learners.
He continued, “Our government has opened the doors of learning for all. You don’t have to come from a well-off family to study these subjects or to further your education at any higher institution of learning because government has many bursary schemes designed for everyone. Just study hard, because opportunities are there for you,” Mashilo added.
He also said that government now builds schools that cater for the disabled as well, unlike previously where children with disabilities were shunned.

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The matric exams started on October 24 and Mkhatshwa also motivated the matric learners to never give up and lose hope. “We are aware that you have already started with your exams and we want to wish you all the best. We want to encourage you and those who are coming after you in lower grades, to never allow the situations and your family backgrounds to determine your future. You have a golden opportunity to make a change in your environment,” he said.
He stressed that they were not there to campaign, but to wish the matriculants well and donate the wheelchair and sanitary towels to young desperate school girls.
“We understand that some of you come from families who can’t even afford to provide you with sanitary towels and it is for this reason that we saw it fit that we provide you just before some of you start their examinations,” said Mkhatshwa.

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The recipient of the electric wheelchair was jubilant. She said it has motivated her to strive for the best and promised to graduate so that she may be a blessing to others in the future.
“I will never forget this gesture and will certainly never forget the ANC, because this is because of them. I am motivated and geared to go,” said the extremely excited Shongwane.