More than 500 underprivileged learners will now go to school in full uniform thanks to a corporate social responsibility programme run by the Office of the Speaker in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. The programme, which aims to lessen the burden among the neediest of communities, where the brunt of poverty is most severely felt, is currently being rolled out in different parts of the province. Education stakeholders, including parents and governing bodies have showered the programme with praise, saying that the provision of uniform packs to deserving children would foster a sense of pride and belonging among needier pupils, thus boosting their self-esteem. 

The uniform packs (shoes, socks, trousers, shirts, jerseys and ties) were handed over to schools by the KZN Legislature Speaker, Hon Nontembeko Boyce and her Deputy, Hon Mluleki Ndobe. 

“Our back to school programme which coincided with the start of the 2020 academic year has been a resounding success. When we conceptualized this programme we underestimated the impact, it would have on the recipients and their parents. We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback from parents and teachers of the beneficiaries. It is self-evident that our gesture has had a good bearing on learners’ performance. It is an established fact that absenteeism from school is often attributed to the lack of school uniforms,” said Hon Boyce. 

Boyce also added that the provision of school uniforms to needy learners was also part of the legislature’s education programme of monitoring the functionality of schools. And that the legislature is working closely with the Department of Education to ensure that our schools have enough teachers, adequate infrastructure and are safe environment s for learning and teaching to take place 

Schools that were visited:  

• Umuziwabantu Local municipality:  Hafuleni High school. 
• Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality:  Mkhandi Primary School
• Umzimkhulu Local Municipality: Ibisi Secondary School, Rietvlei Junior Secondary School,  Izwelibanzi Junior Secondary School.   
• Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality: Clairewood Secondary School, Durban South Primary School

05 February 2020

Embargo: For Immediate Release

Attention: News/Assignment Editors, Political Reporters, Reporters

From: KZN Legislature Communications Unit

KZN LEGISLATURE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS CONDEMN TORCHING OF UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS

The meeting of the Committee of Chairpersons of the KZN Legislature, which sat in Pietermaritzburg today has noted with concern the ongoing developments at the university of KwaZulu-Natal including the torching of several buildings.

The meeting resolved to strongly condemn the destruction of property and called for student formations to isolate rogue elements that are destroying public property.

Chairpersons of committees believe that whilst some students’ grievances are genuine, there is however no justification of the destruction of property.

“The violent protests, including the torching of buildings at the University of KwaZulu-Natal are wholly unacceptable and provide no solution to students’ concerns,” said Chairperson of Committees in the provincial Legislature Themba Mthembu.

It has been reported that the UKZN SRC has been in negotiations with the university management over a number of issues, including students having to pay 15% towards their historic debt.

Student representatives have argued that poor students could not afford this, as it often ran into thousands of rand.

The university stood its ground against any further concessions, as it was already sitting with a student debt of R1.7billion.

Some students then went on the rampage torching buildings including a building housing the institution’s HIV and AIDS unit.

“There is no amount of anger which justifies this action. Our youth must be careful not to destroy their heritage. Universities must be protected and preserved as institutions of academic excellence for them and for generations to come,” said Mthembu.

He called on the university management to tighten up security and take any measures necessary to prevent any form of violence and destruction of property.

Ends

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