​On Wednesday, 18th January 2023, The Gauteng Department of Social Development aided relief to one hundred (100) learners at Baikagetsi Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni by providing school uniform and dignity packs as part of the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG)’s School Readiness Programme to mark the start of the 2023 academic year.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe was joined by popular Amapiano artists, Lady Du and Young Stunner, to give motivational talk to the learners and to assure that children from vulnerable families will be assisted to have a smooth transition to their schooling.

Addressing teachers and learners, Hlophe said the Department is envisaged to fulfil its mandate of providing five thousand (5000) school uniforms to learners in need by end of January this year, with over two hundred thousand (200 000) school uniforms to be delivered for the current schooling calendar year.

“Through this visit, we are responding to a call by our Premier Panyaza Lesufi to conduct oversight visits to schools across the province and to assess their state of readiness for the current schooling year.”

“We also engage principals, school governing bodies (SGB) and the management in identifying critical areas that need urgent intervention.”

“Therefore, we want to encourage you our learners to take education serious and listen to your teachers because your parents worked very hard to place you in schools because they want you to become better people in future,” said Hlophe.

She added, “Our Department has School Social Workers that will work with you on issues that may affect you as learners and educate you about various social ills.”

“We also have a programme called Ke Moja, which means I am fine - without drugs. It is aimed at bringing awareness about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse. Our Ke Moja Coaches will work with you again to ensure that you refrain from drugs, especially at this tender age.”

“You can all become what you want to be in future, as long as you focus on your education,” said Hlophe.

A fan favourite among school kids and popular Amapiano artist, Lady Du echoed that her successful music career was enhanced and supported by her education, because she believes education is the key to success.

“It is important that we speak about dreams because the word DREAMS has an under rooted meaning, which stands for Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Ambition, Motivation and Success.”

“It is therefore important that we get educated so that we can better our lives. Drugs are not cool, so stay away from drugs,” added Lady Du.