Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga joined the learners of Park town Girls High school this morning as they signed a pledge in solidarity with 203 school girls kidnapped by members of militant group Boko Haram.

Placards lined the fence of as the learners of the all-girls school showed their solidarity and support to the learners and families whose lives have been so adversely affected by this traumatic experience.

The Minister joined the learners as part of a nationwide campaign in schools today to highlight the plight of the girls still in captivity in Nigeria.

‘’This morning millions of learners signed this pledge in support of their Nigerian peers, this could have happened to any of our children and as a Department we encourage all learners to support this campaign’’ said Motshekga

The pledge which affirms each signatories commitment  to join hands with all people across the world and in particular, from the African continent, and defend all our gains while forging ahead to ensure that women attain those human rights where such rights are still not realized.

Motshekga says that as a nation we have triumphed in the face of adversity and shown the value of the human spirit, solidarity and that together any force can be defeated.

“We urge learners, teachers, parents and South Africans at large to take a stand and join the Basic Education department as we say Girls Rights Are Human Rights, Bring Back Our Girls,” she said.

A copy of the pledge can be found on the departments’ website, www.education.gov.za

Enquiries:  Elijah Mhlanga - 083 580 8275 or Troy Martens – 079 899 3070

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION