​17th of January 2023, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, led the school reopening programme campaign by providing school uniform and dignity packs to learners from various schools around Evaton in Sedibeng, to mark the official start of the 2024 academic year.
Flanked by the Head of the Department, Matilda Gasela, Emfuleni Municipality Executive Mayor, Sipho Radebe and the popular social activist Nhlanhla Lux, MEC Hlophe further handed over garden tools to the schools.
About hundred and fifty (150) learners from Qedilizwe Secondary School received a full package of school uniform and dignity packs, and Beverly Hills Secondary School in the Evaton West received the similar number for children who are less fortunate.
Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) provides school uniform and dignity packs as part of Bana Pele Programme, which seeks to ensure that learners are able to stay in school despite their socio-economy backgrounds.
Addressing the learners, Hlophe said young people must be focused and chose to use education as a weapon that will change the situations in their families.
"We know that many of you are coming from the disadvantaged background but if you are focusing on your education, you can become a generation that liberates their families and become agents of change in your communities", MEC said.
MEC further reiterated that education is a foundation for everything if one is determined to succeed. She encouraged all learners to take education seriously, adding that it is the only way to success.
"Many people who are successful and are able to maintain their success took education seriously, therefore, you must listen to your teachers so that you can be able to become whatever you want to be in future."
"We are here today to provide you with school uniforms but also to show you that we support you and we want you to succeed, especially those who are going to be in grade 12 this year", she added.
She said the visit to the schools is part of response to a clarion call by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to all MEC's to conduct oversight visits to schools across the province and to assess their state of readiness for the new academic year.
Musa Keys, a popular musician told learners that his successful music career is backed by education, and he never took education for granted as he knew that the industry needs one have education.
Actors Khaya Mthembu and Lira Mthethwa both form Gomora encouraged young learners to dream big, however, they must not make a mistake of not backing up their dreams with education. Lira Mthethwa emphasised that although she achieved many things as  an actor, she continues to study.