The MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali. Picture: Supplied
THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, hosted “Love your School” campaigns at three schools in the Province to encourage parental involvement and to promote safer school environments.
The provincial Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, pointed out that schools were targeted by criminals over the school holidays and festive season.
“The department recorded a sharp increase in vandalism and theft incidents over the past two years at our schools,” said Van der Merwe. “Through the Love Your School campaign we will work with communities to establish safer schools, reclaim our compassion for one another and address the societal ills.”
Van der Merwe added that pupils could only achieve their full potential in a conducive learning environment.
“Our homes are the first institutions of learning and parents must fulfil their primary responsibility. With the festive season upon us, let us take ownership of our schools, to guard and protect our schools against any form of vandalism and theft.”
Van der Merwe said that campaigns were held at JJ Booysen Primary School in Loxton, Hanover Primary School and Boresetse High School In Barkly West.
“The Love Your School campaign is a flagship programme of the Northern Cape that was launched by the premier, Dr Zamani Saul, in 2019 to promote care for and protection of schools and the surrounding environment, the prevention of vandalism and theft of school property and instilling a sense of pride in cleaning neighbourhoods.”