The Department of Employment and Labour Deputy Minister, Ms. Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, earlier today (27 February 2026) visited Kholwani Primary School at Jabulani, in Soweto as part of the back to school government initiative. 

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the officials from the Department of Basic Education led by Its Deputy Minister, Ms. Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, the Pakistan High Commission of the Pakistan Ambassy in South Africa, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), the local ward councillor and other stakeholders. 

“Our main purpose of this visit to the school is because our President (Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa), has declared that the learning culture and teaching must be at the helm of government because he cares about the kids.

“As part of his executive, we have come here to do what we call the going back to school campaign. Also the parliament has deployed us that we must assess the state of the school, the infrastructure, the culture of learning and teaching if all is well," said Deputy Minister Nemadzinga Tshabalala. 

The Deputy Minister said it was also an honour and privilege to plough back at schools particularly for the young pupils, while responding to the clarion call made by the President of the Republic of South Africa. 

“Today we had the honour to present kids with school shoes for those who don't have because you can understand that there are families that are destitute and sometimes it's difficult for some of them to get some shoes. We have also planted the trees at the school so the issue of environment can be taken care of. There are many other things as well including uniforms for other grade leaners that don't have.

“We are trying also, just as President Nelson Mandela said, we need the kids and they are the future. So we are giving a helping hand," said the Deputy Minister.

Nemadzinga-Tshabalala also thanked the Pakistan High Commission in the South African ambassy as two countries that are working together in terms of diplomatic relationship.

“They were also here because they want also to be part of the community. So, we've had long meetings with them. we have raised a number of issues including the matters around spaza shops that we know what happens in that aspect and so we are trying to rid off that and educate the community, and they have taken the responsibility.

“They came with the Pakistan South Africa as an organisation to ensure that the laws of this country are kept and are respected so that we are able to educate communities that as people we can leave as one. So they also have contributed to make sure that they are part of this beautiful community and they understand South Africans," said Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala. 

For media inquiries, kindly contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ Teboho.Thejane@labour.gov.za 

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Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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