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The visit to Soshanguve East Secondary, Phuthanang Primary and Thamaga Primary Schools where MEC Mashatile met stakeholders including educators, learners and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) was part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s programme to assess the readiness of schools for the new academic year.

MEC Mashatile also utilised the visit to hand over sanitary pads to needy female learners from poor communities in Soshanguve whilst also donating water tanks that enable schools to harvest rain water.

MEC Mashatile was delighted to find that the delivery of learner support material occurred, teachers and learners were on time and teaching started as planned by the school and the department.

“I am happy that all the schools I visited commenced teaching on the first day of the school year given that these are schools located in the poorer parts of City of Tshwane”, Mashatile said.

“The readiness of the schools underscore the importance of all role-players working together to make education of our children a priority”, Mashatile continued.

Whilst acknowledging the work that had been done to get the schools ready, MEC Mashatile  noted that there was still some work to be done to upgrade the infrastructure of the schools including playing grounds and facilities and school halls.

Addressing the leaners, MEC Mashatile stressed the importance of education and encouraged learners to concentrate on their studies and not be distracted. “Education is the key to success and to be successful in life, make your education a priority”. Resist the temptation to be involved in unbecoming behaviour, cooperate with your educators and don’t do drugs”, Mashatile said.

“The government will offer support to ensure that effective teaching and learning occurs and make the best of the opportunities being made available to you”, Mashatile added.

Handing over a water tank to the schools, MEC Mashatile emphasised the importance of saving water and urged leaners and educators to use water sparingly whilst harvesting rainwater.

“Even though there has been some rainfall in the past weeks, we are still not out of the woods yet as water levels in our dams are still low”, Mashatile continued.

“We appeal to everyone to continue to not leave taps dripping, not water their gardens between 06H00 and 18H00 and report any water leaks”, Mashatile said.

“Take good care of this water tank and use the water from it to water the school garden and wash cars instead of using the clean water from the tap”, Mashatile concluded.

Issued by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Gauteng Province