The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, visited Manzomthombo Secondary School in Mfuleni in the City of Cape Town where she donated study material, 100 packs of sanitary towels and shoes to learners.
Despite a high rate of absenteeism, the school has had a track-record of consistently good results since it was established as the first secondary school in Mfuleni Township, providing education to children who come from poverty stricken homes.
The Speaker’s visit to the school was facilitated through the initiative of the school’s two youngest female teachers, Ms Nolitha Mbeshu and Ms Sesethu Xakeka, who are members of the School-Based Support Team Committee.
Noting the high rate of absenteeism, the two teachers probed the problem a little deeper and discovered that one of the causes of the absenteeism among female learners was the lack of female hygiene products. The teachers approached the school principal, Ms Nomhle Bentele, and the Chairperson of the school governing body (SGB), Mr Vuyiso Tyhalisisu, who asked the Speaker for assistance.
The Speaker gladly agreed to assist as part of her outreach responsibility. In handing over the donation to the school, the Speaker shared her upbringing and background to inspire the learners to persevere at school, notwithstanding their adverse socio-economic circumstances. The Speaker urged the learners to support one another, saying: “We all need one another to become successful. No matter our backgrounds.” She informed the learners that she received her first degree when she was married and that she is currently pursuing her doctorate.
“Some of you are looking at us today and think that it is impossible to become successful in life because of their family conditions; there isn’t such as I am here today, having grown up from the very same poor background,” Ms Didiza emphasised.
In moving a vote of thanks to the Speaker on behalf of the SGB, Ms Bentele and Mr Tyhalisisu commended the Speaker and told her that the entire Manzomthombo Secondary School was deeply indebted to her. They described the donation as a historical gesture of good will that will sustain the good memories of the schools learners forever.
Manelisi Ntsodo
28 May 2025
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