Grade 12s get individual stationery packs from donors.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhaluli kick-started her department’s back to school programme by donating stationery to Intshukumo Secondary School in Gugulethu.

In partnership with Gift of the Givers (GoG), the Deputy minister donated 247 stationery packs to Grade 12s, on Monday January 3.

Intshukumo, like many township schools, have many pupils in need of stationery and uniforms.

Ms Mhaluli also visited the school and motivated the pupils by sharing life skills and tips.

“The first thing is discipline. How you dress yourself shows who you are. Discipline starts with how you present yourself. Secondly, be punctual. Time is very important. When you are punctual it shows that you are organised. Thirdly, listen to your teachers. Teachers are here to shape your lives and careers. There is nothing more important than education. Imfundo is the only way that we could change the negative narrative,” she said.

She said the school used to compete with the best in the province and she urged pupils to take back their glory days.

She said the donation would benefit pupils and praised the partnership with the GoG and others.

Her words were echoed by GoG Western Cape co-ordinator Ali Sablay.

“The idea was to encourage the matriculants of 2025 and motivate them to not let their challenges surpass them in pursuing their goals. We provide each matriculant with a study pack, sponsored by FNB, to ensure that there are no challenges for them to study during this critical period.

“We also laid a word of support to encourage the learners about the importance of this year. We want them not to forget where they come from. They should learn from the deputy minister’s background. She is a motivation to all of us.

“We are aware that the school has a 76% pass rate but we want 100% for these matriculants. Now there will be no excuse for them not to study,” he said.

Mr Sablay said they also brought soccer players and scouts from the area so that the pupils can understand that the pupils can understand that their history does not determine their future and that there are people who love and care for them.

School principal Trevor Phepheteni said the donation will help many who struggle with stationery, giving them the resources to enhance their learning experience.

“She was here to motivate the learners to go back to school. We were lucky to have the Gift of the Givers which donated the stationary packs. Our kids are from disadvantaged backgrounds. This will motivate them. We had a 76% pass rate and we are aiming to have 100%. We hope this makes an impact on these grade 12s learners. We have extended our working hours to help them. We are aware that they stay, they have no space to study. We want them to improve in all the learning areas,” he said.

He also thanked the donors for choosing his school when there were many others in equal need. He encouraged the pupils to not disappoint their parents and teachers who have sacrificed to help them rise high.

Metro Central circuit manager Zola Phalane said the days are gone for when township schools were known for wrong reasons. He said his department is also focussing on quality education rather than quantity.

Grade 12s gets stationery from donors. Third from left is Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhaluli. Fifth from left is principal Trevor Phepheteni. On the far right is Gift of the Givers’ Ali Sablay.

Nonceba Mhaluli in discussion with the school principal Trevor Phepheteni, right, and the Gift of the Givers’ Ali Sablay left.

Cape City Football Club player Fortune Makaringe, centre, helps to distribute stationery to 247 matriculants.