01 February 2024
Today, UMDM Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma was out and about putting smiles on the faces of learners and parents alike at two schools in the City of Pietermaritzburg today. This happened when the Mayor, together with SASSA officials visited Open Gate school for learners with special needs, as well as Shri Vishnu primary school to hand over 78 and 70 school uniforms respectively.
This was a very joyful day for the students and parents who burst out in song in celebration of this wonderful gesture. In his address at both schools before handing out the uniforms, the Mayor said, "In 2009, as government we took a decision to make education an Apex priority of government. This meant that education would get very special attention from all departments to provide all kinds of necessary support. We are here today because SASSA is providing support to needy children" said Nxamalala. The Mayor emphasized the importance of role players who form a triangle in children's education, to work hard in playing their part, and the role players being Parents, Educators and Learners.
"We have to make sure that learners get education uninterrupted. When children are educated, not only do they make their lives better, but those of their families too. They then become able to have things they may have never had before, which make their lives better." added Nxamalala.
The uniform packs contained ( for the girl children) two uniforms, track suit, a jersey, three pairs of socks, two shirts, a tie, three pairs of socks, a set of three underwears and a pair of quality school shoes. Each pack cost about R 2 600. For the boys, the packs had two pants, two shirts, two vests, three pairs of socks, a track suit, a jersey, a tie, a set of three underwears and a pair of school shoes, the value of which was about R2 300 each.