ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAMME RESTORES DIGNITY FOR VULNERABLE LEARNERS
Through its Back-to-School Programme, eThekwini Municipality has delivered tangible support to vulnerable learners, ensuring they begin the academic year with the essentials they need.
The donation of uniforms, stationery and dignity packs is helping remove barriers to learning and directly improving attendance, focus and self-esteem.
As part of the annual drive, the Municipality today visited Ukusa Secondary School in Mpumalanga Township, Hammarsdale, where school essentials were donated to learners.
Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, led the visit and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to restoring dignity and supporting vulnerable learners.
The Back-to-School Programme is rolled out annually at the beginning of the school year to provide school uniforms, stationery packs, and dignity packs, including essential hygiene items to learners from poor households.
The programme is coordinated by the Youth Development Office and forms part of the City’s broader commitment to improving education outcomes and supporting struggling households.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Madlala emphasised the importance of ensuring that learners’ basic needs are met.
“By providing uniforms and dignity packs, we are supporting learning and restoring dignity and confidence to our young people. This programme goes beyond donating items; we also identify underlying social challenges and work to find solutions that improve the quality of education,” said Councillor Madlala.
Today’s donation benefited 40 learners, with the programme set to continue at selected schools across eThekwini.
The Back-to-School Programme, which has been in existence for nearly a decade, has reached over 5 000 learners across more than 80 schools since its inception.
Today’s event was attended by representatives from the Department of Education, teacher unions, the School Governing Body, and community leaders.
Grade 12 learner Samkelisiwe Bambatha expressed gratitude on behalf of the school.
“We are so grateful for the donated shoes, calculators, uniforms, school bags and cosmetics. These will go a long way in supporting our education,” said Bambatha.
Umhlathuzana Circuit Management Centre Acting Chief Education Specialist, Dr Khulekani Zulu, commended the Municipality for its continued support.
“We will excel this year and we promise a 100 percent bachelor pass. We also appreciate the City’s commitment to providing toilets and refurbishing the school’s ablution facilities,” said Dr Zulu.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
