Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, is this morning, Tuesday, January 27, 2027, visiting Enaleni High School in Umlazi township, Kwazulu-Natal to support students as part of the annual Back-to-School Campaign.
The Minister is expected to hand over 200 school shoes and 200 school bags to learners identified as needy by the school in collaboration with the School Governing Body (SGB).
This initiative responds directly to the socio-economic challenges faced by many learners in one of South Africa’s largest townships-Umlazi, characterized by high unemployment and significant poverty levels.
In addition to the distribution of school supplies, Minister Buthelezi will announce a major infrastructure intervention by the Department through the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). This initiative includes the construction of a prefabricated, fully furnished sick room to enhance student health and well-being.
The Back-to-School Campaign is a Cabinet resolution that requires Ministers and Deputy Ministers to assess school readiness and infrastructure at the start of the academic year.
“The aim is to ensure that socio-economic barriers do not hinder our students’ educational journeys,” Minister Buthelezi stated. “By providing these essential items, we hope to restore dignity and improve attendance among our learners.”
Furthermore, the entire school will be painted, significantly improving the learning environment—a crucial step toward fostering a conducive atmosphere for academic success. Enaleni High School, established in 1993 and currently housing over 1,000 learners, has not undergone significant refurbishment since its inception.
The existing conditions, including peeling paint and aged infrastructure, have raised health and safety concerns. Despite these challenges, the school has shown resilience, maintained consistent Grade 12 pass rates and demonstrated a commitment to enhancing learner outcomes.
The SGB has been proactive in addressing infrastructure issues and advocating for student welfare, playing a vital role in the identification of beneficiaries for the Back-to-School support initiatives. This collaborative effort amongst educators, school management, and the community reflects a strong commitment to improving the quality of education in Umlazi.
