Principal of the School, Khoza C Chairperson of the School Governing Body, Mokone ET Teachers and Members of the SGB Representatives of Government Departments Representatives of Mining Companies And most importantly, greetings to our learners We are here today as part of Governments’ Back-to-School programme which is aimed at encouraging and motivating you – leaners, teachers, and members of the SGB - as you begin this academic year. It is encouraging that despite the tough conditions under which you teach and learn, you have consistently maintained the over 90% performance since 2021. Following the realisation of democracy in 1994, government, guided by the Constitution, has constructed a democratic state that represents all the people. It has developed and put in place policies that guarantee fundamental freedoms, human rights, and seek to build a better life for all. At the centre of building this better life for all is the development of young people through education. This is why government remains unwavering in its commitment to open the doors of learning to everyone. Today, millions of School going children attend school at no-fee schools, over 9 million learners receive a meal daily through the school nutrition programme, and over 700 000 students at tertiary level are funded by the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). In addition to these initiations, more than 18 million people in our country receive social grants, including some, if not most, of these learners here today. All these initiatives are done at no cost to the parents. They are not necessarily free, because the state pays for all these initiatives for the reason that no child in South Africa must be deprived of their right to education because of the poor economic status at home.
Principal, I am certain that you have observed the steady improvement in performance of leaners from the no-fee schools in recent years. This improvement demonstrates the positive impact of government’s efforts to provide support to learners from poor and working-class backgrounds and enhance the quality of life and dignity of the people of South Africa.
Without further ado, allow me to convey our best wishes to you for the year ahead. We hope that these gifts will help you in your journey.
Allow me to conclude by saying, reality of the matter is that life today, is far better than it was before 1994. However, much more needs to be done to improve the conditions under which our leaners learn from. Let us work together for a better life for all.
I thank you.