A high ranking municipal team, led by Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile, visited several schools on the first day of schools opening yesterday to hand over lap desks and stationary and to find solutions for municipal-related matters facing schools.
At the Alfonso Arries Primary School, which opened for the first time this year, 2 000 lap desks were handed over and the municipality cleared a gravel road to make access to the school easier.
This is part of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality’s commitment to play an active role as a key stakeholder in education and to work hand-in-hand with the Department of Education to collaborate on projects that will benefit learners.
Mayor Wayile pertinently stated that education is everyone’s concern and not just that of the Department of Education.
The Mzam’omhle Special School in Kwanobuhle received stationery from the municipality.
One of the major problems highlighted by Acting Principal Sipho Bodlani was high water bills. He requested assistance from the municipality to try and install a water meter that is situated above the ground so that the school could monitor their water usage and reduce high water bills.
Luckily for him, Portfolio Chairperson for Budget and Financial Planning, Cllr Balu Naran, was present to note the request, and promised feedback.
The Mayor also urged all residents of the city to partake in the uniform collection drive run by the Education Task Team during the course of this month.
Donations of school shoes or uniform can be made to the Office of the Executive Mayor.
“Every child deserves a pair of shoes and a uniform. I am making a clarion call to galvanize the culture of ubuntu and human solidarity.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will be making visits to shopping malls in the city to encourage people to donate school uniforms and shoes.
The Kwazakhele High School and Newell High School were also visited. Deputy Executive Mayor Nancy Sihlwayi and Chief Whip Feziwe Sibeko also took part in the programme together with Safety and Security Standing Committee Chairperson Wandisile Jikeka, Recreation and Culture Standing Committee Chairperson Babalwa Lobishe and Public Health Standing Committee Chairperson Patricia Ndlovu.
The Executive Mayor will also be paying visits to various schools in the city throughout the week, handing out lapdesks and stationery.
Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile with special needs child Nkosinathi Rhubhuxa at Mzam’omhle Special School. Picture: Riaan Labuschagne
