Deputy Minister Sotyu lead the Green Back to School Campaign in Botshabelo

Deputy Minister Sotyu leading the Green Back to School Campaign at Mpatleng Secondary School, Botshabelo.

By: Staff Reporter

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, led the Green Back-to-School Campaign at Mpatleng Secondary School in Botshabelo T-Section, Mangaung in the Free State. On Friday, 16.

Mpatleng Secondary School obtained 96% matric pass average, which contributed to the Motheo District retaining their number one spot for the most performing disctict in the province and second in the country.

The Green Back-to-School campaign is an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to conduct oversight duties to assess the state of school readiness for the 2024 academic year.

Deputy Minister Sotyu used the campaign to support the school with supplies and she donated about 1000 school shoes, 50 boxes with each containing 48 packets of sanitary towels.

About 50 solar lights were handed to the shcool to assist the matric class for their lessons to continue during loadshedding.

Sotyu also donated about 50 eco-desk, 50 dictionary, 1000 calculators and 4 waste dustbin and tools to help keep the school clean.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that her department created employment for 2100 cleaning workers for the Metro of which 35 deployed to operate in Botshabelo.

The employees are on a 12 months contract with medical costs included if injured at work, UIF to be received after contract expires.

Deputy Minister Sotyu’s Green Back-to-School campaign aims to encourage learners and teachers to commit themselves to teaching and learning.

"We come to schools to encourage learner's and teachers to commit themselves in teaching and learning. The gifts that we are donating to the shcool should encourage learner's to continue studying harder and also show that government is rallying behind them. Public Schools are performing well in the province and to be at one of the most performing school is a privilege because they get those results without having proper equipments. My department plays a significant role by ensuring that we give schools such gifts for learner's and teachers to have a smooth academic year without being disturbed by lack of resources", said Sotyu.

She added, "I would like to see the shcool obtaining a 100% pass rate for this year because you have shown that you are capable, I hope these donations steers you in that direction".

Deputy minister Sotyu deployed 2 workers that will ensure they assist in keeping the school clean.

The Programme is also part of the Presidency’s Good Green Deeds programme a ground-breaking environmental awareness programme that seeks to mobilise all sectors in South Africa to become more environmentally conscious.

The deputy minister also planted trees as part of the good green deeds programme to conclude her visit at the school.