'ANC President Jacob Zuma left us energised' - school principal

14 January 2009

African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma left Bhukulani Secondary School principal, teaching staff, learners and members of the school governing body, "energised," according to principal Mduduzi Mathe.

Zuma, who was accompanied by Gauteng MECs Angie Motshekga (Education) and Barbara Creecy (Sports and Culture), spent this morning at Bhukulani Secondary School in Soweto's Zondi township to meet Mathe, teaching staff, learners and members of the school governing body - on the opening day of Gauteng public schools.

In his message to the school, Zuma called on learners to "concentrate on education" saying he did not have the opportunity to attend formal schooling but educated himself "to understand English and participate in the development of the country". Zuma also warned learners against the use of illegal substances and drugs, congratulating the school for obtaining a 98% matric pass rate last year. "This year you should strive for 100% pass in all grades," said Zuma.

In describing the visit, Mathe said the ANC President left us "energised". "The visit went very well, especially for the learners," he said.

Upon his arrival, Zuma was earlier briefed by Mathe, his two deputies Fezile Ntloko and Winnie Nkosi, and the chairperson of the school governing body Moses Mvulane on how the school managed to obtain the 98% matric pass rate.

Mathe: "We told President Zuma that our success is based on three Ds -dedication, determination and devotion. It is also based on three Ps -perseverance, persistence and prayer.

"We work as a team, respect one another and share ideas to empower one another. We meet regularly for briefings on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Our policy is that the child comes first. We believe that if we work in unison, we may achieve greater heights."

Mathe said the school governing body was "fully functional and supportive". "The school also has a strong management team which focuses on the development of the school," added Mathe. "We do our best to mould the attitude of learners. Our kids do not come from a different world but from the same community. Like any other school we are also grappling with challenges of some boys that smoke dagga and girls that fall pregnant."

In its Election Manifesto, the African National Congress (ANC) has identified education as one of its five priority areas for the next five years. The Manifesto spells out that the ANC's approach to education derives its inspiration from the Freedom Charter. The ANC has committed itself to building on achievements already made in education, using some of the Millennium Development Goals as benchmarks.

These include achieving universal primary education, improving quality and eliminating disparities in education.

Enquiries: Brian Sokutu 071 671 6919