By Luzamo Sandlana
Learners in Aliwal North and Sterkspruit received practical support to help strengthen dignity, confidence and participation in school during a two-day initiative held on 23 and 24 April.
The programme, led by Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, brought together public entities, private-sector partners and local communities to support learners through targeted donations. The donations included school uniforms, dignity packs for boys and girls, laptops and bursaries.
For many learners, these items are not extras. Theyare basic tools that help them arrive at school with confidence and participate fully in learning.
The initiative was supported by TCTA, Rand Water, Magalies Water, Vaal Central Water, MTN and uMngeni-uThukela Water.
Addressing delegates, TCTA’s wanda mkutshulwa said the visit followed earlier engagements in the area. After assessing conditions at the schools, TCTA responded to the Minister’s call to return with practical support.
“As TCTA, we managed to secure school shoes for all the learners in the school,” Ms mkutshulwa said. “These shoes are not just for walking to school, but we want you to use these shoes and walk towards a brighter future for yourselves and for your families. One day, we want to see you leading programmes such as these.”
TCTA also offered bursaries to three deserving learners.
Minister Majodina said the programme was about ensuring that every learner can attend school with confidence.
The two-day programme included career exhibitions. Minister Majodina told learners and teachers that the donated shoes and uniforms were intended to restore dignity and show that education can open doors. She encouraged learners to consider careers in fields such as water engineering, biochemistry and science.
Antos School Principal LJ Tsemane expressed appreciation for the support.
“Ours is a school for children with special needs, and to be recognised by such dignitaries means a lot for our learners,” Mr Tsemane said. “We are deeply grateful for the support shown to our learners.”
As part of the programme, learners received laptops, school shoes, toiletries, sanitary towels, water bottles, bread, instant porridge, shoe polish and brushes. Mr Tsemane said the resources would boost their dignity,well-being and readiness to learn.
A message from one learner captured the emotional impact of the initiative.
“For many of us, the question is not only ‘Will I pass?’but also ‘Will I have something to wear tomorrow?’” Another learner added: “Some of us have been washing one shirt every night so it could be dry in the morning, but today, because of you, that story changes.”
For the learners, the donations represented more than material support. They represented confidence, belonging and equality.
“With these uniforms, there is no longer a difference between rich or poor. We are all equal. We are all learners,” one learner said.
The initiative demonstrated what can be achieved when institutions and communities work together to remove practical barriers to learning. It also showed how targeted support can strengthen dignity, build confidence and help learners participate more fullyin school life.
