About 500 grade 8 to 11 learners attending schools in Wedela (in Gauteng's Merafong Municipality) are starting their 2016 school year on a high note.

A local church, Eden Life Mission, has invited the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, to speak to learners, educators and parents about the significance of education in general, and science and technology in particular.  Minister Pandor will also encourage the community to provide the necessary support to both learners and educators.

According to Mr Sabelo Ngwane, the West Rand District's War Room Coordinator, Wedela (West of Caltonville) faces many societal challenges, such as teenage gangsterism, teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, and high levels of people living with HIV/Aids.

The Back to School event will also be attended by the Executive Mayors of the West Rand District Municipality, Councillor Mpho Mawa, and Merafong Local Municipality, Councillor Maphefo Mogale-Letsie.  Other dignitaries expected to attend include the executives of the SciBono Discovery Centre and the Gauteng City Region Academy, Wedela Maths and Science Academy representatives, district education officials, teachers, and representatives of the community.

Media are invited as follows:

Date: Sunday, 7 February 2016
Time: 10h00-13h00
Venue: Wedela Green Church

Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Media Liason Officer
Tel: 012 843 6799
Cell: 082 566 0446

Bishop Roy Mathenjwa
Eden Life Mission (Green Church)
Cell: 082 683 3450