By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – The department of education commemorated Mandela Day at Bophelo Daycare in the deep poverty stricken area of Makeneng in Qwaqwa in emulation of Nelson Mandela who stood for the poor.
“He stood for the poor, for the vulnerable, for the helpless. That is why we decided to come to this area. It is one of those 23 centers that we chose which were identified because they are unable to get funding from the department. Not because the department does not want to, but it is because the center does not comply in many aspects.
“So we said because our government is determined to ensure that we build a capable state that is ethical and state that is developmental, we came to this particular center to say we want this type of a center because when we walk out of this center we should ensure that among other things it does comply. This will enable them to get funding from the department. We are going to work very hard with my team to ensure that come the end of this year they should have complied,” education MEC Dr Mamiki Maboya said.
Dr Maboya further revealed that early childhood education had been moved from social development to education.
“It was moved from social development because we were unable to give them enough support. Our children were brought here just to sleep, eat, sing and go home. But as the education department we say these children are the foundation of the future of the country.
“We must focus on them because they are the future of our country. We are here to pass a message that I have been passing to different districts, that we do not want to be known as the department of grade 12. We want to be known as the department of education for all children starting from ECD.”
Planting trees at Bophelo Day Care Center Education MEC Dr Mamiki Maboya accompanied by Chinese Consul General Qingjiang Pan and executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality Malekula Melato.
Dr Maboya who was accompanied by Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg Qingjiang Pam also explained their collaboration.
“For a long time we have established a strong solid partnership with Chinese consulate office in Johannesburg. Both of us are committed to advancing cooperation in the field of education with a particular focus on benefiting the young ones.
“This year you have donated uniforms, school shoes, school bags and other items to several schools in the Free state and Gauteng and we want to applaud you for that. You have not only done that, but you have also ensured that you give us other forms of support. You have realized that as a country we have challenges around water and electricity supply, and other basic services and you were able to come in handy to help some of the schools.”
In response, the Chinese appreciated the acknowledgement from the MEC.
“We are very pleased to join you today to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. This is my second time to be in the lovely area of Qwaqwa. The engagement was so warm and encouraging. Thank you very much for your warm reception.”
