The Re Tlameleng Special Needs School in Kimberley is a testament of government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all people.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered remarks at the school on Saturday morning ahead of the official Human Rights Day programme held at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley.
“The Constitution commits all of us to work together for a shared future that upholds the rights and dignity of every South African.
“This school is a testament to that enduring commitment. For 33 years, Re Tlameng Special Needs School has been serving and supporting visual and hearing-impaired learners to receive a dignified, quality education,” he said.
The President reflected on former President Nelson Mandela’s appreciation for children, noting that he advocated for their protection.
“President Mandela said that there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.
“Madiba recognised, as we do now, that equipping our young people for their future calls for partnerships between government, business, labour and civil society,” he said.
The President went on a guided tour of the school, where, thanks to government and private sector initiatives, they have received upgrades to the library and computer laboratory, as well as the installation of the multipurpose court.
“I would like to thank all the partners who continue to support the school’s work. This support has made the impressive upgrades that we have seen today possible, including a multi-purpose combi court and upgrades to the library and computer laboratory. We welcome the donation of books in English and Setswana and laptops to support digital learning.
“We call on those who have made these contributions to remain involved with the school and to continue to help where needed. This initiative is a powerful demonstration of what it means to translate constitutional values into real change in the lives of people,” he said.
The President acknowledged that South Africa still has “far to go to ensure access to education for children with special needs”.
He noted that Statistics South Africa indicates that between 500 000 and 900 000 children with special needs remain out of formal education.
“There are not enough facilities to meet the need. This goes beyond physical infrastructure to include the support services needed for learning and development. That is why partnerships are so vital.
“When government, the private sector and public institutions work together, we are able to unlock resources, innovation and solutions that no single entity can achieve alone. This school is a beacon of hope for the community, for the province and for the country. It is an example of what is possible with the support of all our social partners.
“With these partners, with the teachers and educators – and most importantly, with these remarkable learners – I am certain that Re Tlameng will continue to grow from strength to strength,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
