LIMPOPO – The Deputy Minister of Communication, Stella Ndabeni-Abrams says communities should guard vigilantly against theft of resources at their schools and other government institutions.
Ndabeni-Abrams spoke at the official hand-over of computers, new bicycles and school shoes to 50 learners at Phangasasa Secondary School in Gavaza village outside Tzaneen last Friday.
The computers were donated to the school to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1976 uprising.
She said government was aware of teachers who take resources such as computers given to schools, and keep them at their homes where they benefit only their children.
“We give these computers to schools to benefit the learners and we will not tolerate the misappropriation of these resources any longer, as it is funded by tax payers’ hard earned money,” said Ndabeni-Abrams.
The Senior Manager for the MTN Foundation, Angie Maluka, said the bicycles and shoes were donated as part of the company’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme and in partnership with the department of communication.
Maluka said this is an initiative whereby company employees reach out and offer assistance to disadvantaged communities.
Through this partnership, 50 learners who travel 10 km or more to and from the school will receive bicycles and school shoes.
Limpopo Education MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe said the department welcomes and appreciates effort made by private companies like MTN because the government does not have enough money to address all the challenges faced by schools in the province. He said although the department gives schools a budget, it is never enough to take care of everyone.
