Issued by the Presidency
22 January 2002
A visit by Deputy President Jacob Zuma today to an informal settlement school brought smiles to many school children's faces when he told them they would have functioning toilets by the end of this month.
As part of the government's plan aimed at encouraging the culture of learning and teaching, Deputy President visited two schools in Mamelodi today.
One of the problems reported to him by the principal of Emasangweni Primary School in Mamelodi East, Caroline Matlala, was that the school has been operating with only eight toilets since 1995. The school has 1400 learners and 31 teachers.
Although the school has 16 more toilets, they have not been working because the company that had won the tender could not complete the building process because it claimed to have run out of funds, Director of the Tshwane South Education District Mr Timothy Makofane said.
"I have spoken to district officials and they have given me their word that the problem will be solved by the end of this month. As government, we take education very seriously and this is a very important basic need. It requires urgent attention," Deputy President Zuma said.
Deputy President also visited Phateng Comprehensive School in Mamelodi West where he encouraged pupils to look at education as their weapon in improving living conditions in South Africa.
"You must take a decision to succeed today because education will free us from the legacy of apartheid," the Deputy President said.
Deputy President also met with teachers and members of the School Governing Bodies of the two schools.
"It is important for you to understand the importance of educating the African child. Problems will always be there. The critical part is how do we deal with those problems. It is important that the manner you choose do not compromise the future of our children," Deputy President said.
For more information please contact Zanele Mngadi: 082 781 9332.