MINISTER ZULU HONORS CLASS OF 2020 IN VIRGINIA, FS

By Bongani Tshabalala

WELKOM-The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu in partnership with Harmony Gold Mine has acknowledged the academic performance of social grant recipients on Saturday, March 13, by showering them with the laptops   in Virginia at Phahamisang primary school just eyes away from Welkom.

The outreach programme forms part of the implementation of the District Development Model. Minister Zulu is the District Champion for Lejweleputswa District Municipality. The recognition ceremony and the handover of laptops could not have come at a better time as the learners’ transition from high school to institutions of higher learning to further their studies. Many of the learners are from poor and vulnerable households and the laptop donation will go a long way towards bridging the digital divide, especially in light of the growing need for access to online learning due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu and MEC Mamiki Qabathe in partnership with Department of Education and Harmony Gold Mine, acknowledges the academic performance of social grants beneficiaries who are part of the “Class of 2020” in Virginia in Matjhabeng Local Municipality. 

The recognition ceremony and the handover of laptops and free data came at a better time as the learners are transitioning from high school to institutions of higher learning to further their studies. Many of the learners are from poor and vulnerable households and the laptop donations will go a long way towards bridging the digital divide, especially in light of the growing need for access to online learning due to various social challenges and the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

Amongst dignitaries in attendance were Member of National Parliament, Hon. Khalipha, Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Cllr Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, Mayor of Matjhabeng local municipality, Cllr Nkosinjani Speelman, Ward Cllrs from Matjhabeng municipality and representatives of sponsors such as MTN,  Cell C and local business donated and congratulated the best achievers, including social grants beneficiaries.

As part of the outreach programme, Minister Zulu has conducted a walkabout of a local food garden that is operated by a group of children in conflict with the law. She even handover agricultural tools and water tanks as part of an initiative to reach out to communities, struggling to survive the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.