The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, MEC Francois Rodgers, has reaffirmed the Government of Provincial Unity’s commitment to supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds through the ongoing Back-to-School Programme, which continues to provide full school uniform sets to deserving learners across the province, including 10 learners from Mt Currie Senior Secondary School in Kokstad.
Beyond the material support provided, MEC Rodgers also thanked teachers and all education officials for their contribution in KZN’s positive good matric results last year. He emphasised that the programme is equally about listening to communities and understanding the realities facing schools on the ground. During engagements with school principals, traditional leaders, ward councillors and School Governing Body (SGB) representatives, the MEC took time to listen attentively to the issues and challenges raised by education stakeholders.
“It was deeply worrisome to learn of the dire financial straits in which many of our schools find themselves,” said MEC Rodgers. “These engagements provide critical insight into the lived realities of our learners and educators, and they reinforce the importance of responsive and people-centred governance.”
At the same time, the MEC welcomed the positive collaboration emerging between schools, local communities and businesses, noting that such partnerships are essential in strengthening the education system and supporting learners beyond the classroom. This collective effort, he said, reflects the African principle that it takes a village to raise a child.
MEC Rodgers encouraged communities to continue fostering these partnerships in order to complement government interventions and build resilient, supportive environments for learners to thrive. The MEC confirmed that all issues raised during the Back-to-School engagements will be carefully considered as he prepared for the tabling of KwaZulu-Natal’s R168 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, ensuring that community voices inform budgetary priorities and policy decisions.
“The Provincial Budget is not just about numbers on a page; it must reflect the needs, aspirations and challenges of our people. These engagements are invaluable in shaping a budget that is both responsive and inclusive,” MEC Rodgers said.
The Back-to-School Programme forms part of the Provincial Government’s broader commitment to restoring dignity, promoting access to education, and creating equal opportunities for learners across KwaZulu-Natal.
- MEC Rodgers handing over uniform to Mount Currie SSS learners as part of the Back-to-School Programme. (KZN Treasury)
