The MEC for the Department of Social Development, Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi, visited schools in the Phokwane SubDistrict on Thursday, 25 January 2024, as part of the Northern Cape Provincial Executive Council's back-to-school campaign She oversaw the proceedings at Tlhwahalang Secondary School in Jan Kempdorp, as well as at Kgonoand Gaoshupe Makodi Primary School in Pampierstad. Mr Cindi, the Frances Baard Manager for SASSA, and other Departmental officials supported Ms Vilakazi in these visits. The primary purpose was to help disadvantaged learners who cannot afford school resources and to restore their dignity. In line with this mandate, the MEC distributed school uniforms worth R5 500 per learner, created by Women-led Cooperatives. Women in the communities were encouraged to mobilize themselves, as with the necessary passion and dedication they also can benefit from a partnership with the government. Mothers were encouraged to apply for uniforms so that their children do not feel out of place at school, with SASSA assisting, as it has done for the past 20+ years. Parents were urged to play an active role in ensuring their children access these benefits. The primary responsibility of a child is to learn,
and not worry about where their next meal or clothes would be coming from. Learners were also reminded to take their schooling seriously by respecting school rules, arriving on time, and showing respect to educators, similar to how they would respect their parents. MEC Vilakazi acknowledged the outstanding work of dedicated educators who persevere in fostering a nurturing environment for students to dream and reach for the stars, despite challenging circumstances and limitations. These visits by the Executive Council serve as a reminder that the government cares deeply about the education of its children. The Back-To-School Campaign aims to promote teaching and learning in schools by encouraging participation by the broader community and engaging with stakeholders regarding their roles in improving learning and teaching. The goal is to transform schools into centers of excellence.