Address by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, on the occasion of the Gcinibandla Primary School Lab Handover, Majola, Port St John's, Eastern Cape

Programme Director,
iNkosi Zanoxolo Meji, our esteemed traditional leader,
Dr. Peyana, District Director: O.R. Tambo Coastal,
Councillor Cebisa Mazuza, Mayor of Majola,
Mr. Majola, Principal of Gcinibandla Primary School,
Mr. Hakata, Chairperson of the School Governing Body,
Ms.  Sigwavu, representing SADTU,
Mrs. Ahmed, representing parents,
Mr. Mukwevho, HWPL Southern Africa Branch Manager,
Distinguished guests, educators, parents, members of the community, and most importantly, the learners of Gcinibandla Primary School,

Good morning.

It is both a privilege and a deeply humbling experience to stand before you today in this beautiful part of our country, as we gather to mark an important milestone for Gcinibandla Primary School and the broader community of Port St Johns. Today is not merely a ceremonial occasion it is a moment that signals progress, possibility, and a shared commitment to the future of our children.

We are here to hand over laptops as part of establishing a technology lab at this school, but more importantly, we are here to plant a seed. This is the beginning of an ongoing programme one that will continue to grow and evolve over time. What we are launching today is not the end, but the start of a journey towards building a fully equipped digital learning environment. While today we place laptops in the hands of learners and educators, tomorrow we envision a fully developed lab with large digital screens, enhanced connectivity, and expanded resources that will transform how teaching and learning take place in this school.

Programme Director,

As highlighted in today’s programme, “in the digital age, learning ICT is not an option, but a necessity”. This statement captures the urgency of the work before us. The world is changing rapidly, and the skills required for success are evolving just as quickly. If we are to prepare our young people for meaningful participation in the economy and society, we must ensure that they are digitally empowered.

For too long, many rural and under-resourced schools have been left on the margins of technological advancement. Today, we are taking a decisive step to change that reality. This initiative is about closing the digital divide. It is about ensuring that a child in Gcinibandla has the same opportunity to learn, explore, and innovate as a child anywhere else in South Africa or indeed, anywhere in the world.

To the learners gathered here today, this is your moment. These laptops are not just devices they are tools of empowerment. Through them, you can access knowledge, develop skills, and unlock opportunities that were once beyond reach. I urge you to use them with discipline, curiosity, and purpose. Let them inspire you to dream boldly and to work hard towards those dreams.

The future belongs to those who are prepared, and today, we are helping you to prepare.

To the educators and the leadership of this school under Mr. Majola, we recognise and appreciate the critical role you play. Technology alone does not transform education — it is the dedication of teachers that brings learning to life. We trust that you will embrace these tools, integrate them into your teaching, and use them to enrich the educational experience of every learner in your care.

Programme Director,

This initiative would not have been possible without strong partnerships. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, Sentech and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), whose support and collaboration have made today a reality. Your contribution goes beyond infrastructure you are helping to shape futures and build hope in communities that need it most.
This is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when Government, the private sector, and civil society work together towards a common goal.

As Government, we remain committed to building a capable and inclusive society one in which every child has access to quality education and the tools needed to succeed in the modern world. Initiatives such as this are aligned with our broader vision of equipping young people with the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

But we are also mindful that this work requires continuity. Today’s handover must be followed by sustained support, ongoing development, and continuous improvement. This is why we emphasise that this is only the beginning. We will continue to work with stakeholders to expand and strengthen this programme, ensuring that the vision of a fully resourced digital lab becomes a reality.

In closing, let us remember that the true value of what we do today will be measured not in the equipment we hand over, but in the impact it has on the lives of these young learners. Let this school become a centre of excellence in digital learning. Let it inspire other schools and communities to follow this path.

And let us continue, together, to walk this journey of progress Sohamba Ekukhanyeni we walk in the light.

I thank you.