The event was also attended by Emalahleni executive mayor, Cllr Salome Sithole, who also donated blankets. The Academic Sunday was held on May 25.
The mayor encouraged learners to concentrate on their studies because being poor is not an excuse for not studying further. She related how she was raised up by a single parent, her mother, but studied further to change the situation at home.
“We all have 24 hours each day but it depend how one uses them. Have eight hours for school, eight to yourself and the other eight for sleep. Engage in other activities like sport; make sure you break the chain of poverty. It all depends on you, I believe you can make it.”
Cllr Sithole related how she got involved in politics, studying towards LLB and being a member of the national executive committee of the ANC from a humble beginning. She told the pupils to put education first, pull themselves together and play their part in the society.
“Choose the correct career path, we need engineers, we have mines, power stations and the municipality needs you. We have challenges, but together we can face and overcome them. We can bring change in our country,” ended Cllr Sithole.
Mr C. Manyabeane from the Department of Education also encouraged pupils to study further. Ms C. Shibambo, representing Eskom, gave an overview of Kusile Power Station.
The mayor later presented 20 blankets to the church elders.
