On Wednesday, the office of Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu held Mandela Day activities to inspire pupils at Sitfokotile Secondary School in Matsulu, particularly concerning alcohol and drug abuse.
Despite these hurdles, Sitfokotile has consistently produced commendable results in the National Senior Certificate examinations, substantially contributing to the overall performance of the circuit.
Acting deputy director-general Peter Jiyane spearheaded the premier’s office delegation. He delivered the keynote address, where he emphasised the importance of education for pupils’ future. He invoked the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela, who championed education.
“Therefore, I urge you, my kids, to focus on your studies. It is the only way you can build your future and uplift your family and community at large, because among you, I see the president, the MEC and so forth,” Jiyane urged passionately.
The premier’s office also extended a generous hand to the school by donating 82 dignitary packs to needy pupils, along with tables, office chairs, a filing cabinet, two computers, a printer and a couch.
Employees of the premier’s office specially procured these dignitary packs using their personal funds, highlighting their commitment to the cause, according to a media statement.
The school principal, John Khoza, received these gifts with gratitude. “We want to thank the office of the premier for choosing our school out of many in Ehlanzeni district. This gesture cannot be taken for granted, and we are happy that you chose us.”
Khoza reminisced about the school’s history, boasting about its establishment in 1980 and its record of producing notable professionals, including engineers, doctors and the former MEC of economic development, Eric Kholwane.
The presence of the Department of Education’s delegation further validated the impact of the philanthropic gesture.
Acting circuit manager Lydia Siyenga, expressed her appreciation for the donations, praising the school as one of the best within her circuit.
She also used the opportunity to request additional support from the premier’s office to assist with roofing materials for the school’s incomplete kitchen, indicating an ongoing need for infrastructural development.
Together, she said, these components create a vivid narrative of community engagement, the championing of education, and the tangible support provided to a school striving against adversity.
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