ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE BRINGS HOPE TO KWAXIMBA LEARNERS
In a strong show of support for education, eThekwini Municipality empowered learners from Mdepha High School in KwaXimba today, 13 February through the City’s Back-to-School Programme.
The initiative provides essential school supplies to help learners stay focused and succeed academically.
About 32 learners from Ward 1 benefited from the City’s Back-to-School Programme which is led by the Mayoral Youth Development Office.
The impact of the programme was immediate.
About 30 learners received school shoes along with shoe polish, backpacks, mathematics sets, and dignity packs for boys and girls.
Two of the top grade 12 learners received Huawei tablets to support their studies.
Ward 1 Councillor Thembo Ntuli, who also chairs the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, stressed the importance of prioritising education.
He said this programme exists to support underprivileged learners and encourage them to work hard.
“Assistance is available. All you need to do is work hard,” he said.
He added that the Municipality offers support such as bursaries and a student relief fund to help young people succeed.
Councillor Ntuli said the Back-to-School initiative showcases the City’s commitment to educational success.
He encouraged learners to overcome challenges and strive for excellence.
Mdepha High School Principal Nokuthula Wanda expressed gratitude for the support.
“We face many challenges, but we work tirelessly to achieve good results. This includes teaching learners after hours and on weekends,” she said.
She noted that being selected for support from the City is a sign that the school is doing well.
Last year, Mdepha High School achieved a matric pass rate of 97.5 percent, an increase from the 89.2 percent pass rate achieved in 2024.
The goal this year is to achieve a 100 percent matric pass rate.
The school, said Wanda, is working towards this goal despite experiencing several challenges.
Dedicated teachers continue to hold extra classes and work on weekends to ensure learners receive a quality education.
EThekwini Chief Whip Councillor Sne Sishange was pleased that the school offers extracurricular activities.
She highlighted the value in exposing and developing talent.
She added that the Recreation and Parks Directorate will support sports programmes and create further opportunities for learners.
Councillor Sishange encouraged learners to aim high in their Matric exams, saying success will open doors to Municipal development programmes.
The City’s programme also uplifted spirits.
Learners expressed their gratitude through poems after receiving the donations, saying the support from the City has restored their hope.
Matric learner Samkelo Mlaba, who received a tablet, was grateful for the support. “The tablet will help me with my studies. We thank the Municipality and hope they continue supporting us,” he said.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
