Honest appraisal of the state of the province address (Sopa) by pupils was welcomed by Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle at the weekend.
The 35 pupils from schools all over the province were participating in the final leg of the school speech competition, focusing on Masualle’s Sopa delivered last month. This was a rare opportunity to engage with the premier.
Pupils were required to analyse what the premier had said in his address and to present their research, personal views, recommendations and conclusions all in the space of five minutes. In his warm response, Masualle expressed appreciation for their forthrightness, saying executive council members had never been as honest with him.
Addressing education, Queen’s College matriculant Qhawe Bhula said the premier had paid little attention to the problems of higher learning institutions, including FET colleges. Also, “education is not only governed by what happens in the classroom, but also what happens outside”.
Bhula added: “It is not good enough to ensure learners have food at school alone. We should make sure learners have a stable breakfast and supper too.”
Bhula said other issues such as abuse and the need for more boarding schools should also be addressed.
While some pupils applauded the premier for a job well done, some expressed concern about how plans would be implemented.
“I was overjoyed upon hearing that premier Masualle is working on a sustainable plan to revitalise Magwa and Majola Tea estates because those fields were the only source of income to many families in the Lusikisiki area,” said Anelissa Mrwanqane.
Mrwanqane is a Grade 12 pupil at Mariazelle High School in the Alfred Nzo District. Addressing rural development and food security, she said the province should invest in existing agricultural programmes rather than starting new programmes.
Organised by the Eastern Cape legislature, the Sopa schools debate is the only one of its kind in South Africa.
In the English home language section, Bhula was placed first. Thalita Sithole from Zingisa High School was top participant in Xhosa. Jafta Nosipho from Holy Cross Centre of Learning won in the English first additional language category and Kirsten Arense won the Afrikaans category.
Premier praises learners’ responses
The 35 pupils from schools all over the province were participating in the final leg of the school speech competition, focusing on Masualle’s Sopa delivered last month. This was a rare opportunity to engage with the premier.
Pupils were required to analyse what the premier had said in his address and to present their research, personal views, recommendations and conclusions all in the space of five minutes. In his warm response, Masualle expressed appreciation for their forthrightness, saying executive council members had never been as honest with him.
Addressing education, Queen’s College matriculant Qhawe Bhula said the premier had paid little attention to the problems of higher learning institutions, including FET colleges. Also, “education is not only governed by what happens in the classroom, but also what happens outside”.
Bhula added: “It is not good enough to ensure learners have food at school alone. We should make sure learners have a stable breakfast and supper too.”
Bhula said other issues such as abuse and the need for more boarding schools should also be addressed.
While some pupils applauded the premier for a job well done, some expressed concern about how plans would be implemented.
“I was overjoyed upon hearing that premier Masualle is working on a sustainable plan to revitalise Magwa and Majola Tea estates because those fields were the only source of income to many families in the Lusikisiki area,” said Anelissa Mrwanqane.
Mrwanqane is a Grade 12 pupil at Mariazelle High School in the Alfred Nzo District. Addressing rural development and food security, she said the province should invest in existing agricultural programmes rather than starting new programmes.
Organised by the Eastern Cape legislature, the Sopa schools debate is the only one of its kind in South Africa.
In the English home language section, Bhula was placed first. Thalita Sithole from Zingisa High School was top participant in Xhosa. Jafta Nosipho from Holy Cross Centre of Learning won in the English first additional language category and Kirsten Arense won the Afrikaans category.
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