South African History Online

Speech by President Nelson Mandela at the re-opening of Bongolethu Primary School

Phillipi, 9 May 1996

Mr. Halbert Mlindazwe and staff of Bongolethu Primary;
Mr. Syd Muller and
Woolworths staff;
Pupils of Bongolethu Primary;
People of
Phillipi;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Earlier this morning I attended a function similar to this one at Beacon Hill
High School in Mitchells Plain. It is encouraging to see our nation taking steps
to improve the welfare of our children and encourage the culture of learning.
One of the worst things that apartheid did was to deny the majority of South
Africans the right to decent education. Even the inadequate education they gave
to the majority was provided under unbearable conditions to both teachers and
pupils.

The Government has placed education and the revival of the culture of
learning at the top of its agenda. Without properly trained people, our goal of
a better life for all will remain a dream. To get our children back to school
means improving their learning conditions, motivating their teachers, and
involving parents in the education system.

This is why we introduced the Primary School Feeding Scheme and the idea of
Parents-Teacher-Students Associations and what has happened to this school is
part of that project.

What is most encouraging about this project is the manner in which you all
combined efforts for its success. School authorities negotiated for the land
donation from Murray and Roberts, and Woolworths provided financial assistance
to get the project going. The entire community rallied behind the project. We
are here today to reap the fruits of your joint efforts.

It is heartening to see the role played by the management and workers of
Woolworths in this endeavour. Looking at the tender age of these children, your
contribution is a true investment. I hope that what you did here will spur other
companies to join communities in similar joint ventures.

Now our young ones will attend school under better conditions than we are
accustomed to. This is a school of the new South Africa - a school for the
rainbow children. Bongolethu is setting the standard for the future.

Mr. Halbert Mlindazwe and staff, the selection of your school for this
project showed the confidence that we all have in you. As pioneers your
performance will determine the attitude of private business towards such
projects in future. We expect you to send the right signal. The results you
produce must be the envy of other schools.

For Mr. Mlindazwe and his staff to accomplish the mission we are assigning
them today, they will rely on the support of the school controlling body and
parents. To nurture the culture of learning, parents also have a role. If they
follow with interest the progress made by their children and interact with
teachers regularly and attend parents' meetings, they will encourage their
children. Just as we joined forces to renovate this school, so must we work
together to educate our children.

Finally, let me congratulate the pupils of Bongolethu for their new-look
school. This is the community's gift to you. Look after your school. Don't allow
delinquents to play mischievous games like the stealing of school property.
Report such behaviour to your teachers. Work harder to achieve better results.
The future of our nation is in your hands. Good luck!

Issued by: SA Communication Service