The uMshwathi Local Municipality, led by the Mayor, Cllr Mandla Zondi, today joined the Minister in the Office of the President, Hon. Minister Chikunga, on a successful Back to School Campaign aimed at supporting learners and strengthening education within the municipality.
The campaign was undertaken in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, represented by Circuit Inspector Ms Ngubane, as well as representatives from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The programme was also attended by the Mayor of Umgungundlovu District Municipality, Cllr Mzi Zuma, Amakhosi led by iNkosi Ntanzi, uMshwathi councillors, and other community leaders.
The delegation visited Mpolweni Secondary School, Asamukele Secondary School, and Coastal TVET College in the oZwathini area, Ward 4, under the leadership of Cllr Cebekhulu.
During the visits, the leadership engaged with school management, learners, and School Governing Bodies (SGBs), and listened to various challenges affecting teaching and learning. The SGBs from both secondary schools raised concerns regarding the maintenance and upgrading of school infrastructure and requested support in this regard.
As part of the campaign, Minister Chikunga supported the schools by handing over laptops and also donated school shoes to needy learners, demonstrating government’s commitment to improving access to education and restoring dignity to learners.
At Coastal TVET College, the NYDA, in partnership with various organisations, presented support initiatives aimed at empowering students and promoting youth development.
The Mayor of uMshwathi, Cllr Mandla Zondi, expressed his sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their meaningful contribution to the development of children through education and for working together to build a better future for the youth of uMshwathi.
The programme was officially closed by the Ward Councillor, Cllr Cebekhulu, who thanked all stakeholders, government departments, traditional leadership, and partners for their participation and support in making the programme a success.
