Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, on Friday handed over school shoes to learners from nine schools in the Greater Taung and Mamusa Local Municipalities at Uurpan Safari Lodge in Schweizer-Reneke.
The event brought together community leaders, education stakeholders, School Governing Bodies, councillors from Taung and Mamusa Local Municipalities, as well as representatives from government departments and partner organisations committed to supporting learners in rural communities.
During the programme, Morolong reflected on the challenges that many learners in rural areas continue to face and emphasised 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 such as school shoes can make a profound difference in a learner’s life.
“Sometimes what appears small can carry great meaning. A simple pair of school shoes can represent dignity, confidence and the opportunity for a child to walk into a classroom knowing that they belong there,” he said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to support education and uplift communities in the North West Province.
Deputy Minister Morolong also took the opportunity to recognise the important role played by educators and school leadership in shaping the future of young people.
Two school principals from the district, who recently retired after many years of service in education, were acknowledged for their lifelong dedication to developing learners and strengthening their communities.
Their contribution, the Deputy Minister noted, extended far beyond the classroom and lives on through the generations of learners they have mentored and guided.
The programme 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 can attend school with dignity and confidence.
Deputy Minister Morolong emphasised that nation building requires collaboration between government, business, and communities.
“When government and business work together with purpose, we can create meaningful change in the lives of our people, especially our children,” he said.
He also called on communities to protect and support schools as important spaces for learning and development.
“Our schools must once again become centres of pride for our communities. Education is not only the responsibility of teachers or 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 remain focused on their education.
“Let these shoes remind you that your future is bigger than the streets you walk today. One day, among you, will be doctors, teachers, scientists and leaders who will shape the future of our country.”
The handover programme formed part of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and ensuring that every child in South Africa has the opportunity to learn and succeed.
“Every journey begins with a step. Today, together, we are making sure that step is taken with dignity,” said the Deputy Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
