Back to school: DA donates educational toys at a Soweto school

Today our media office sent out a media advisory about our visit to Emseni primary school in Soweto, to hand over toys and other educational materials to a Pre-grade R class.

Journalists arrived just as we were confronted by a member of the school governing body who made a fuss about us appearing on the school grounds wearing our DA-branded clothing. We pointed out that the school principal had sent out a letter, on the school's letterhead, inviting parents to attend the handover. I also mentioned that I had made numerous visits to Soweto schools wearing DA clothes and not once were objections raised.

We compromised and removed our DA clothing for the official handover, and narrowly avoided a protest by the parents who objected to the SGB member's high-handed attitude!

The kids and parents packed into the classroom and received us with clapping and songs. The SGB chairperson graciously introduced us and a few speeches followed, including one from Steven Swiel whose efforts, and those of his parents Greg and Nicky, were entirely responsible for the funds raised to buy the toys and materials - three cheers to them!

Hlox and Pumla from our ward 130 branch put the event together (they have kids in another class at the school), along with Lebogang and other activists. Our councillor Timothy Radebe left the parents with the DA ringing in their ears.

Well done to them all for their initiative.


Media advisory

22 January 2016

Release: Immediate

Today, Friday 22 January 2016, the Democratic Alliance Soweto West constituency will donate educational toys at Emseni Primary school, Soweto.
The event is part of DA Gauteng's back to school campaign that seeks to assist the needy and deserving students with stationary, school uniform and other educational requirements.

The Pre-grade R class in this particular school receives little to no assistance in terms of stationary and other educational aids from government. It is for this reason that we saw it fit to help.


In attendance will be, the DA Constituency head for Soweto West, Toby Chance MP, ward 130 PR Councillor, Timothy Radebe, DA activists and the parents to the kids at the school.


The handover will take place as follows:


Date: Today, Friday 22 January 2016
Time: 10h00
Venue: Emseni Primary school, Bolani road, Emndeni, Soweto West
There will be opportunity for interviews and photographs. Members of the media are invited to attend.


Media enquiries
Lebogang Moya
Deputy Chairperson: Ward 130
072 911 6092

Nkele Molapo

Media Officer

072 041 4842

082 953 8330