Caption:(left) DARDLEA MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi, and MEC for Education, Lindi Masina
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The cheerful sound of learners, educators, community members, parents, traditional leaders, and farmers filled the yard for one reason: to reclaim their school as a place of hope during the launch of the Rhandza Xikolo Xa Wena(Love Your School)Campaign, held at Mahhushe Agricultural Secondary School, Nkomazi Local Municipality.
The event, successfully led by the Mpumalanga MECs for Education and DARDLEA(Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs)-Lindi Masina and Khethiwe Moeketsi respectively, brought together various government departments, municipalities, civil society, business and SGBs(School Governing Bodies) under a single message; “When communities take ownership of their schools, they protect their future.”
The Department of Education said the campaign is not new to Mpumalanga, and stressed that it is not a once-off event, but a living campaign rooted in accountability, active citizenship and social cohesion.
“The campaign renewed the collective responsibility of communities to become the first line of defence in protecting schools, promoting safe and drug-free learning environments, restoring the dignity of learners, improving infrastructure and advancing food sustainability through school gardens,” said the Department of Education.
Furthermore, the Department of Education stated that strong partnerships with the various stakeholders such as DARDLEA, Department of Correctional Services, to mention but a few, demonstrate an integrated governance in action, advancing environmental sustainability, skills development and community upliftment.
“Communities across Mpumalanga were encouraged to embrace the campaign as a way of life and to ensure that every school becomes a beacon of empowerment and development.
“As the campaign gained momentum across the province, the message remained clear: when communities protect their schools, they protect their future,” said the Department of Education.
“As the campaign gained momentum across the province, the message remained clear: when communities protect their schools, they protect their future,” said the Department of Education.
