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Speech by MEC Sizani at the occasion of equipment presentation
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Education

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 EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
 SPEECH BY MEC STONE SIZANI
AT THE OCCASION OF EQUIPMENT PRESENTATION
ZUKILE PRIMARY SCHOOL
 ON  2 JUNE 2001

Mr M.C. ,the principal and the school community, our sponsors, Spoornet, the dignitaries invited to this important occasion, the officials 
from the local District Office, ladies and gentlemen, I greet you all.

Invitations to occasions of this nature are closer to my heart for a number of reasons and despite my tight schedule I always feel I must 
find time not only to grace the occasion but also to demonstrate that we are in touch and we appreciate efforts that make a meaningful 
change to transformation.

We read in newspapers and books that first world countries provide free education and in some up to tertiary education. We aspire for that 
but that goal, given our history and our backgrounds, cannot presently be met by government alone. Each and everyone here gathered must 
make a meaningful contribution in cash or in kind to ensure that the next generation reap the fruits hereof. It is for this reason that we 
must find time to express our sincere appreciation to efforts made toward achieving that goal. We accept all the equipment donated by 
Spoornet with humility, and earnestly promise to utilize them in manner that will enhance the education of our children. I could not find 
appropriate words to say thank you than to avail myself on this occasion. Thank you, Spoornet, thank you.

Zukile has been identified as a school in need from many other schools in the same situation and has been provided with this equipment. The 
school has to utilize it for the purposes intended, secure it and ensure that it is properly maintained to encourage Spoornet to make 
similar donations to other needy schools. It would be discouraging if Spoornet would visit the school next year to find the equipment in 
poor state of repair. INTO OYIPHATHISIWEYO YIGCINE.

Recently a school in Mdantsane went about door to door in houses around the school in search of their furnisher. They retrieved a lot of 
desks and chairs. I do not want to address the legality of the event, but the point I wish to make is that at times the communities tip our 
schools apart with demoralizing effect to educators, learners and the department. We profess that communities should take responsibility of 
their schools to ensure that their school transforms with time. It is for this reason that we encourage self-managing schools and hope that 
within the near future our schools will have achieved the Section 21 status. The Department is restructuring the whole administration in 
order to bring services closer to the people. Mdantsane and East London are going to merge to form one big District. Some functions that 
are performed by head office are going to be delegated to the District, meaning that services to the people are to be localized.

The District offices are tasked with responsibilities to monitor schools projects and to monitor the managerial teams so that academic 
projects may be improved in all our schools.The Department is embarking on creating self-managing schools with good infrastructure. That 
Zukile Primary School has now received this equipment through partnership with Spoornet, is going to be a focal point.

The school belongs to the community, the School Governing Body represents the community in the school. The Department expects the Governing 
Body to work with the educators, parents and pupils in improving the conditions in the school. It is the function of the school population 
to protect their schools rather than waiting for outsiders to do work for them. This is a challenge to all schools.

In closing master of ceremonies I wish parents, educators and pupils of Zukile success in their effort to make things happen in their 
school.

I thank you all.

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