Executive Mayor Bahula provides support to learners

DRIEFONTEIN – Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) Executive Mayor, Minah Bahula visited Kgakgatlou and Sebjalebjale secondary schools in Driefontein within Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality as part of her office’s “Take a Girl and Boy Child to Work” programme on June 13.

According to the municipality, the initiative is aimed at encouraging learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to gain valuable experience and insight into various levels of government and different institutions including the private sector.

Lemson Moropjane, SDM spokesperson, said the programme is designed to inspire and equip young individuals with the knowledge and confidence to change their circumstances.

Moropjane detailed, “This year’s programme had a significant impact on close to a thousand participating learners, who had the unique opportunity to learn and witness firsthand operations of the fire fighting and rescue unit as one of the functions of the district municipality’s Emergency Services Management Unit.”

Abongile Mashiane, a Grade 12 learner, who aspires to be a firefighter, was one of the excited participants in the exhibitions and demonstration of the unit.

Abongile said the experience reinforced her passion for the critical and noble profession. “The programme aligns with the municipality’s mission to work closely with stakeholders to promote and produce quality education,” highlighted Moropjane.

Executive Mayor Bahula noted the ongoing challenges posed by social ills including teenage pregnancy and remained dedicated to addressing the issues through continuous support and intervention alongside other sector departments, such as Social Development and the South African Police Service.

Bahula also committed to organize a Career Development Expo with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and other institutions of higher learning, further putting emphasis on the importance of education and career guidance.

Additionally, she donated essential items including stationery, school shoes and sanitary products to needy learners to ensure they have the necessary resources to succeed in their educational journey.

Bahula has adopted the two schools located in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality’s ward 1. The schools’ management, in collaboration with the School Governing Bodies expressed gratitude for Bahula’s support and the opportunities she provided to the learners.