Gert Sibande District Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, on April 22 , honoured a commitment made earlier this year by Mpumalanga’s Premier, Mandla Ndlovu.
He promised new school uniforms and furniture to top performing schools.
Learners at three schools with 100% matric pass rates last year welcomed the high ranking delegation.
Mngomezulu was accompanied by the provincial Deputy Chief Whip, Dan Nkosi and Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, Cllr Mbuso Magubane.
Mkolishi High and Nsika Secondary Schools received school uniforms for deserving learners. Khuzulwandle High School also received 100 much needed chairs with the school uniforms.
Speaking to enthusiastic learners, Cllr Mngomezulu said: “We are here to keep a promise. When the Premier made a commitment to support top achieving schools, it was a declaration of belief in you, the future leaders of this province. Today, we deliver on that promise because your hard work, a 100% pass rate, deserves to be recognised and rewarded.” He also said both municipalities would assist 2026 poor students accepted at universities, with registration fees.
Nkosi said the visit was not just about the gifts, but celebrating excellence to motivate learners to strive for academic success. “I was once a leaner here at Nsika Secondary School. “Our children deserve dignity and part of that is attending school properly dressed to study in dignified learning environments. Today is about restoring that dignity.”
Magubane applauded the effort, emphasizing the importance of sustained support. “We are proud of these schools. The commitment from government is not once-off but will continue, ensuring no learner is left behind,” he said.
This initiative is part of a broader provincial drive to support rural education by building a future defined by equal opportunity and excellence.
