DEPARTMENT COLLABORATES WITH SASSA TO HANDOVER UNIFORM TO LEARNERS IN THEMBISA

By Phetoho Maja 

• Gauteng Department of Social Development and SASSA support approximately 100 learners from Entshonalanga Primary School and Tembisa High School.

• Learners receive uniforms, including shoes, socks, jerseys, trousers, skirts, shirts, vests, and underwear, alongside edutainment on social issues.
• Uncle Ramolao from Skeem Saam inspires learners; Phumla Nkosi pledges dignity packs, while Principal Ngwane encourages students to seek assistance.

Approximately one hundred learners from Entshonalanga Primary School and Tembisa High School in Ekurhuleni will feel more confident in their learning, courtesy of the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Uniforms were distributed to deserving learners, including shoes, socks, jerseys, trousers, skirts, shirts, vests, and underwear.

The handover was accompanied by edutainment in the form of music, dance, and peer education, during which learners were informed about various social issues such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, bullying, and gangsterism.

Uncle Ramolao, renowned for his role in the popular drama series Skeem Saam, graced the event and encouraged learners to remain grounded and focused on their studies. 

Addressing learners at Tembisa High School, Phumla Nkosi, the Ekurhuleni Regional Director of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, mentioned that the department would also distribute dignity packs to girl children. These packs include sanitary towels, roll-on deodorant, petroleum jelly, bar soap, body lotion, toilet paper, and toothpaste.

“We will hand over the uniform to the school principal, not in front of everyone here today so that we protect the dignity of our children,” said Nkosi. 

She added, “Bullying is one of the identified areas of concern in this school. Therefore, we will also bring our Social Workers to assist those who need counseling, even with matters outside the schooling environment.” 

Steven Ngwane, Principal of Tembisa High School, expressed his delight in receiving the uniform on behalf of the learners. He encouraged more students facing challenges to visit the office for assistance.

The school uniform distribution did not only relieve children from underprivileged families but economically empowered local women-owned cooperatives, entrusted in sewing school uniforms.