11 November 2024
On the 5th of November 2024 was a packed day of festivities celebrating 30 years of democracy in uMgungundlovu District Municipality. District Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma welcomed Deputy Minister in the Presidency from Government Communication and Information System, Hon. Marolong, as well as MEC of Education Mr. S Hlomuka, Msunduzi LM Mayor Cllr Mzi Thebolla, Msunduzi LM Deputy Mayor Cllr, and Msunduzi Speaker Cllr Majola.
During the event, Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma extended a warm welcome to everyone at the Open Gate Special School, where a user-friendly computer lab for disabled learners was officially unveiled. In his address, Cllr Mzi Zuma expressed his contentment with the strides made in ensuring quality education for all over the 30 years of democracy. He touched on the challenges of the pre-1994 era, under the discriminatory Bantu Education Act, and emphasized the importance of recognizing the country's progress post-democracy, including improved education outcomes like higher pass rates and reduced school drop-out rates. Nxamalala stressed the significance of parental involvement in their children's education, highlighting that responsibility extends beyond the government and teachers to parents supporting their children with schoolwork at home.
As part of efforts to showcase digital migration, a visit was made to six households to showcase the benefits of the BDM Monitoring of Awareness, Installation, and Registration Programme. This program assists households with incomes of R3500 or less who cannot afford DSTV, ensuring they have access to clear TV reception.
Community radio stations, including Al Ansaar FM and uMgungundlovu FM ( community radio stations ) were also visited to provide support and encouragement for effective communication of information to their communities, ensuring accurate and reliable information is disseminated.