Preaching Mpumalanga Premier says Piet Retief people now closer to God
14 September 2012
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has praised the people of Piet Retief for being “closer to God” when they joyfully accepted the new fully-fledged Inqubeko Secondary School which he officially opened in Thandukukhanya twonship yesterday [Thursday, 13 September 2012].
Premier Mabuza said he was elated to receive a warm welcome from the people who in the past chased away some members of the executive council, burnt down public property including a school, clinic and a library.
He said he was also happy to find the learners in the classrooms enthusiastically learning following pre-occupation of the school before its construction was completed.
“Indeed praise the Lord for this, because in the past you were affected by the evil spirits and demons which led you to behaving badly. Your previous actions indeed distanced you from God.
“You have got the best facility here; we can only hope that come the end of the year, we will have the improved matric results. I am pleading with you to look after this school because the future of your children is in these buildings.
“You should also know that if you destroy it, you would have gone ten steps backwards. Do not steal the computers and furniture. Parents must take responsibility of their children, because unless we collectively invest on them, we will have a dark future,” said Mabuza.
The school has 28 classrooms with an e-Learning Centre proudly supported with 25 computers and an Interactive Whiteboard by Samsung Electronics. It was built to accommodate learners who were housed in mobile classes which were used as satellite branch of another school called Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary.
It also boasts with a science laboratory, administration block, a huge multi-purpose hall, soccer field and two netball courts. Its library has donated books from Mascullar Milan and Shutter and Shooter publishers.
“Sometimes it pains me to call myself the Premier of this province because of the way we sometimes do things; when the children of other races fiddle with computers at an early age, ours play with sand when such technology has been provided and is being stolen.
“By building this school, we are saying let us prepare for the road ahead because one day we would pass on, and these children would have to take over and lead this country. We can only change our situation if we invest greatly on the education of our children.
“I am therefore urging the parents, teachers and the learners to stand firm and play their roles. Life is not about us here today, but it is about our future,” said Mabuza.
Mabuza urged the learners to shy away from alcohol and drugs but should concentrate on their education. He explained that the provincial government was in a mission of eradicating all mud-schools in the province. At least 20 schools would be built this year.
He explained that it was important for government to partner with the private sector in creating a conducive environment for learning.
“As we visit various areas, it is very sad to see that the life of our people lives much to be desired for. Although as a government we are making some strides, it is equally important to partner with the private sector in changing their situation.
“People should not leave the rural areas and believe that a better life is only in the urban areas. They must remain here and work the land. Ours is to bring the development which will make their lives better,” said the Premier.
Earlier in the day, the Premier handed over a sponsored three-bedroomed house to a Madabukela elderly woman who is a widow and lived with eight grandchildren in a dilapidating mud-house.
The elderly woman had been identified by Public Works Roads and Transport MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu during a cabinet outreach in the area.
The Premier said he was grateful to witness one step towards a better life.
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier
Tel: (013) 766 – 2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
E-mail: zmncwango@mpg.gov.za
