Mandela Day: first lady adopts school
Nelson Mandela once said: “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”. To live up to the quote and in celebration of Mandela Day, the first lady, Maggie Mathabatha, visited Phophi Secondary School in Mutale village.
POLOKWANE – Nelson Mandela once said: “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.
To live up to the quote and in celebration of Mandela Day, the first lady, Maggie Mathabatha, visited Phophi Secondary School in Mutale village in the Vhembe District Municipality recently.
She was accompanied by members of the First Lady’s Trust, as well as representatives of Channel Islam International radio station and representatives of Bariq Al Amal Glimpse.
The school was identified by the department of education as one of the most disadvantaged and poor schools in the province.
Bearing in mind that some learners might have difficulties studying and doing other schoolwork at home, Mathabatha, together with Bariq Al Amal donated 100 solar lights, pairs of shoes and socks to deserving learners.
The solar lights can be used for studying and can light up the whole room, providing light for a duration of 50 hours.
Princess Tsakani Nkambule from the First Lady’s Trust, said the school had a dilapidated block of classrooms which learners could not use as it was not safe.
“The school uses five blocks of classrooms which are in a bad state, learners are exposed to rain and cold weather conditions.
“Despite all the challenges, the school is known for its excellent performance with their gr. 12 results.
“The school obtained 100% matric pass rate in 2002, 2011 and 2013,” said Nkambule.
The first lady adopted the school and would return for another visit on July 18, on Mandela Day.
Nkambule explained that on Mandela Day, they will renovate the dilapidated block of classrooms in order to make the learning environment conducive for learning.
The First Lady’s Trust appeals to business people, contractors and hardware stores to assist with building material to renovate the classroom block.
“A list of needed material has been compiled and any donations will be appreciated,” Nkambule said.
For more information on the donation, contact Kholofelo Sebe at 083 686 602 or send an e-mail to sebek@premier.limpopo.gov.za.
tsakani@nmgroup.co.za
