Plettenburg Bay - Deputy Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has emphasised the importance of education, especially for children living in small towns.
The Deputy Minister on Wednesday visited Murray High School in Plettenberg Bay where computers, donated by Land Bank, were handed over to the school.
Addressing learners and educators in the school’s hall, Deputy Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams said the computers would go a long way in ensuring learners get a quality education, which was important.
She urged learners to use the valuable tools to conduct research and other tasks related to their schoolwork to help them to excel in furthering their education.
The Deputy Minister shared her own story of growing up in the former homelands of the Eastern Cape.
She urged the learners to tell their story about growing up in South Africa as part of the Tell Your Story campaign which is being held in Heritage Month in September.
Matriculant, Mandilakhe Vayisi, in telling his story, said during apartheid, the country was a place of segregation and discrimination.
“We were unable to be in the so-called white schools and gaining a proper education [was not possible], but today because of democracy we are now able to study in any school of our choice.”
The youth said it was democracy and freedom that made South Africa a true rainbow nation.
“Our democracy brought many opportunities for black people - financial support, through bursaries to further your studies. There is also the child support grant for underprivileged kids and RDP housing for families that cannot afford to buy houses.
“These are some of the fruits democracy has brought to our people,” said Mandilakhe.
Azizipho Xipula, also a Grade 12 learner at the school, said many South Africans from disadvantaged areas have benefited from the democracy since 1994.
“Disadvantaged people can now apply for the child support grant, old age grant, etc. We have libraries, free education, access to computers and the internet. We appreciate our ruling government as we are allowed to celebrate our heritage.” – SAnews.gov.za
