Gauteng government officials spearhead back-to-school campaign
The purpose of these visits was to assess the schools' readiness for the 2025 academic year and engage with learners and teachers on challenges affecting the schooling environment.
To kick off the academic year, MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkom-Ralehoko and Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero led a visit to various schools in Pimville and Dhlamini as part of the Gauteng Provincial Back-to School Campaign.
In the early morning of January 15, the first visit commenced at Ibhongo Secondary School, where MMC for Development Planning Sibongile Eunice Mgcina and MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku were also part of the campaign.
The purpose of these visits was to assess the schools readiness for the 2025 academic year and engage with learners and teachers on challenges affecting the schooling environment.
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These range from critical issues such as teenage pregnancy and drug abuse, to the state of school infrastructure which has an impact on the learners’ progress.
Speaking to the media, Nkom-Ralehoko said their visits to schools have a significant impact on motivating learners and educators and fostering constructive change within the educational system.
“This is what we believe if we do, change will be seen in our schools, we have seen the results of Ibhongo Secondary School and they have improved in these three consecutive years and I think it is because of us working with them.
“In every school that we visit we are not just ticking a box to state that we were there but we sit down with the principals so as to address the challenges the schools face,” she said.
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During an assembly session, learners were enlightened about the Integrated School Health Programme and the Youth Zone within the community health facilities, which provides youth-friendly services, safe spaces and healthcare support tailored for young people.
School uniform, soccer kits and school stationery was also distributed to the learners.
Ibhongo Secondary School principal Ezekiel Mamthupi said the fact that they were able to bring up the difficulties the school encounters makes him feel quite honored by the visit.
“We were able to discuss with government representatives some of the worries we have as a school, including the psycho-social problems like bullying and gangsterism as well as the inadequate infrastructure, which needs to be improved due to its age,” he said.
