​In a continuous effort to foster robust relationships with stakeholders, the Gauteng Department of Social Development's Sustainable Livelihood Unit held a comprehensive review session with both main contractors and sub-contractors involved in the school uniform manufacturing project.
The consultation took place last week Friday, 02 August 2024, at the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller building in Marshalltown and was aimed to address the challenges faced in previous years and to discuss improvements for the upcoming 2024/2025 school uniform manufacturing project for deserving learners.
Hundreds of predominantly women-led school uniform sewing cooperatives attended the session, eager to voice their concerns and suggestions. Deputy Director For Special Projects, Sello Mabaso, emphasized the importance of this engagement.
"Our primary objective with this session was to give all NPOs involved in the school uniform project a platform to express their views on what needs to be done going forward and to identify areas for improvement," he stated.
Mabaso acknowledged the challenges of the previous year and assured attendees that such issues would not recur. He emphasized that the new round of production would adhere strictly to established norms and standards, encouraging cooperation among the cooperatives to better serve the needs of underprivileged children. "Sometimes some of you do not qualify because you are not assisting each other," Mabaso noted, urging the spirit of collaboration.
Jennifer Matlala, a 66-year-old member of the Bokang Jehovah Cooperative from Tshwane, welcomed the Department's proactive approach. "We are happy that the Department has taken steps to engage us before they advertise. We hope this time they will do things right, as last year was problematic. We believe our input will add value to the process," she said, expressing optimism for improvements in payment processes and subcontracting reviews.
The session marked an essential step in ensuring a more efficient and collaborative approach to the school uniform project, with the ultimate goal of better supporting the children who rely on these essential services.