By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Malekula Melato has launched the municipality’s 2026 back-to-school campaign in QwaQwa, donating school shoes to vulnerable learners at three public schools while urging matric pupils to take responsibility for their academic future.
The campaign was launched at Bluegumbosch Secondary School, where 20 pairs of school shoes were handed to learners identified as most in need.
Addressing the matric class of 2026, Melato described them as “pathfinders” and called on them to remain focused and disciplined as they prepare for their final examinations.
Welcoming the mayor and her delegation, school principal Bells Mbhele expressed appreciation for the support. Deputy principal Tsoloane Mamotseki challenged the matric class to uphold the school’s strong academic record, saying sustained performance was essential to setting a benchmark for neighbouring schools.
The delegation then visited Mamosa Primary School, where 40 pairs of school shoes were donated. Deputy principal Paballo Kotelo thanked the mayor on behalf of the staff, offering a blessing for the continuation of the initiative.
“May God bless you and enable you to give not only to our school, but to many others. On behalf of the educators, we thank you,” Kotelo said.
School principal Masesi Mavundla echoed the gratitude, describing the visit as a clear demonstration of caring leadership.
“On behalf of the school and the community, we are truly thankful. This shows that you care about the people you serve. We never imagined receiving such important guests. You would not be here if you did not care,” Mavundla said, also acknowledging parents for their ongoing support.
The campaign concluded at Letsibolo Primary School, following an appeal by Ward 25 councillor Mathapelo Mahamotsa, who highlighted the high number of needy learners at the school. Melato, accompanied by members of the mayoral committee, delivered school shoes which were formally handed to principal Mokgeti Motaung and staff for distribution.
Addressing learners at Letsibolo Primary, Melato said the initiative was also about strengthening accountability between schools and the municipality.
“This is about building a contract with the school so that we address service-delivery challenges together. Sometimes children miss school because of water shortages, electricity problems or poor roads. Even at a young age, we must be accountable to them,” she said.
She added that learners should be empowered to hold leaders to their promises. “Children must be able to say, ‘the mayor said electricity would be restored,’ and then see it happen.”
The back-to-school campaign forms part of the municipality’s broader efforts to support education, ease learner poverty and rebuild trust between communities and local government.
