Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, handed over school shoes to learners from nine schools in Greater Taung and Mamusa Local Municipalities at the Urpan Safari Lodge in Schweizer-Reneke on Friday.
The event brought together community leaders, education stakeholders, school governing bodies, councilors from Taung and Mamusa local municipalities, as well as representatives from government departments and partner organizations committed to supporting learners in rural communities.
During the programme, Morolong reflected on the challenges that many learners in rural areas are facing and stressed the importance of restoring dignity in education.
Sharing a story about a young boy who once walked long distances to school without proper shoes, the Deputy Minister reminded the audience that access to basic necessities like school shoes can make a profound difference in a learner's life.
He said, “Sometimes what seems small can mean a lot. A simple pair of school shoes represents a child's dignity, confidence and the opportunity to walk into the classroom knowing they belong there.”
The initiative is part of broader efforts to support education and uplift communities in the North West province.
Deputy Minister Morolong also took the opportunity to recognize the important role played by teachers and school leadership in shaping the future of youth.
Two school principals from the district, who recently retired after many years of service in education, were honored for their lifelong dedication to developing learners and strengthening their communities.
The Deputy Minister said his contributions extend far beyond the classroom and live on through the generations of learners he has mentored and guided.
The program was made possible through collaboration between government and key partners, including Infrastructure South Africa, Brand South Africa and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), with support from private sector partners such as KPMG.
Through this partnership, hundreds of learners received school shoes, ensuring that they could go to school with dignity and confidence.
Deputy Minister Morolong stressed that nation building requires collaboration between government, business and communities.
“When government and business work together with purpose, we can make a meaningful difference to the lives of our people, especially our children,” he said.
He also called on communities to protect and support schools as important places for learning and development.
“Our schools must once again become points of pride for our communities. Education is not just the responsibility of teachers or the government. It belongs to all of us.”
Addressing the learners present at the event, the Deputy Minister encouraged them to wear their new school shoes with pride and focus on their education.
“May these shoes remind you that your future is bigger than the streets you walk on today. One day, there will be among you doctors, teachers, scientists, and leaders who will shape the future of our country.”
The handover program is part of an ongoing initiative aimed at strengthening communities and ensuring that every child in South Africa has the opportunity to learn and succeed.
The Deputy Minister said, “Every journey begins with a step. Today we are together ensuring that step is taken with dignity.” – sanews.gov.za