​The Gauteng Provincial Government handed hundred school uniforms and dignity packages to vulnerable pupils at Westonaria Primary School, West of Johannesburg as part of Bana Pele on Tuesday.
Through Bana Pele – Children First - program the provincial government provides a basket of services to children from poor households such as a school uniform, scholar transport, and health services among others. The program is led by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

Officials handed school uniform packs to deserving pupils which consists of socks, vest, underwear, shoes, trouser, shirt, jersey, and school bag.

Sustainable Livelihood Directorate’s Shimi Molale said, “Bana Pele program is aimed at assisting less fortunate learners, to make sure that they are not differentiated from their well-off peers. As Social Development, we are custodians of the Children’s Act, we are therefore responsible for the care and protection. We want our learners to concentrate on learning. Education is the key that will open doors for these children in the future and the government will continue to give them the necessary support”.

The School Principal, Billy Hutton, said, “We are very grateful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for this gesture. Our children need uniform as most of their parents are struggling to pay for school fees. We will encourage learners to work hard on their studies so that they maintain the school pass rate of 90% and to go beyond. We are appealing to our government to continue giving support to the learners and families in distress. We will forever be grateful to the department”, said Hutton.

The school uniform was manufactured by women-owned cooperatives in the province, as the department continues supporting local businesses and women economic empowerment.