Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri launched her advocacy campaign Ed-Unite at Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct on October 13.
The launch included a panel discussion with former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in social justice at Stellenbosch University and Wits SRC President Cebolenkosi Samuel Khumalo.
According to media specialist Janine Walker, Nokeri was always passionate about equal educational opportunities.
“When Nokeri had the opportunity to go from a rural Tzaneen village classroom to a better resourced one in the city of Polokwane, she realised that education is not equal. She had come from a school depleted in every way to an environment conducive to learning. Without the chances she was given, Nokeri acknowledges that she would never have reached her true potential.”
Walker added, “In implementing her Ed-Unite campaign, Miss South Africa will play the role of convenor, linking like-minded groups to act in concert as they redress the inequalities of the past.”
Nokeri said the country had the highest inequality rates globally.
“Having been exposed to extreme poverty as a child and thereafter being granted the opportunity to attend advantaged schools, I witnessed the negative effects of the great and unfair divide in this country. It is fundamental that every young person is given the opportunity to cultivate their talents, intelligence and skills, regardless of their background.”
Miss SA added that she wanted to approach the campaign holistically
“I want it to help across the board where it is needed to facilitate easier ways of learning. Here is my call to action: I call on corporate South Africa to join me and change the future of as many young people within the educational space as possible. Help me help them by providing expertise, equipment or financial assistance. Together, we can close the gap.”
Walker noted that Ed-Unite will have its main partner the Adopt-a-School Foundation (AASF) and, by default, Nokeri will become an AASF ambassador. “It has also partnered with the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET).”
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