Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule visited two schools in Tembisa on 17 March 2021. The visits to Tembisa West and Jiyane Secondary Schools are part of the Kuzondlula Motivational Back to School Tour (KMT) to motivate Grades 10 and 11 learners to face academic and other challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic under the theme "It's Possible I can do it". The Deputy Minister also used the visit to remind learners about the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of mama Charlotte Makgomo Maxeke, under the theme: “The year of Charlotte Maxeke: Unity, Renewal and Reconstruction”. The Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) and the Social Cohesion Directorate from the DBE therefore mobilised education stakeholders in promoting human rights and constitutional and educational values within the school environment. 

KMT is a youth managed and driven organisation aimed at keeping South African learners motivated to study, with a focus on prioritising education and self-discipline. The goal of this initiative is to change the mindset of young people for them to become future leaders. Another aim of the initiative is to assist them to focus on their studies and respect their parents and teachers, whilst curbing social ills such as teen pregnancy, drug abuse and bullying. Despite the challenges faced due to the pandemic, Tembisa West Secondary School managed to obtain an 88% and Jiyane Secondary School a 90.23% Matric pass rate for the Class of 2020.

“The overarching goal of this event was to change the mind-set of young people to focus on education for the betterment of their future and their livelihood. We are confident that our partnership with the DBE will make a significant contribution in schools,” remarked the Executive Chairman for KMT, Mr Vuyolethu Sibiya.

During her official address, the Deputy Minister said that, “As we celebrate Human Rights Month, it is essential that you adhere to COVID-19 regulations to prevent the resurgence of the virus. Although there are challenges in life the secret is remembering to get back up again when we fall and to never give up”. Dr Mhaule called on community members, teachers and learners to support the DBE in its endeavour to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in schools. In addition, learners were urged to embrace cultural values and human rights principles to create safer and conducive learning environments.