"Teach your children the value and importance of government-built institutions like schools, which are meant to take South Africa forward – or else when your children grow up to be uneducated adults, they will turn against you and spit on your graves saying you failed to do anything for them.”
This was a chilling warning sent to parents and communities by ANC MP Mlungisi Ndamase, in the wake of the torching of three schools in the OR Tambo district this week, after Chief Henry Bokleni High School in Libode, Nogemane High and Sandi High, both in Ngqeleni, were set alight earlier this week, allegedly by angry school pupils. In total, about six schools have been torched across the district since the start of the year.
Ndamase on the other hand, told Lower Tyira pupils that it was the responsibility of older people to make sure their lives were better.
He said South Africa was also crying out for “true” and “brave” leaders who would take the country forward. Especially as it was currently facing a leadership crisis.
“We need to defend our things. This country is crying out for special leaders, people with capacity to take the country to new heights.
“These schools are tools to make South Africa great.”
Meanwhile, residents of Lower Tyira village praised Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga for making the school possible.
Lower Tyira chief Mbulelo Mntonintshi said he only thought expensively-built schools existed in cities.
Ndamase told the community that the onus was on them to make sure the school was safeguarded from vandalism, saying the best way to show their appreciation was to protect the building. — sikhon@dispatch.co.za