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It took immense courage and confidence for students in Ngxabaxha Community near Mt Frere to stand upfront and raise their sad learning situation and that of the community in a meeting attended by the MEC for Roads and Public Works, Mr. Pumulo Masualle. Poor condition of roads, absence of clinics, poor condition of schools, absence clean running water were concerns that dominated this meeting which was attended by young and old. The visit by the MEC is part of an Executive Council's monthly outreach programme to visit communities in the province.

In addressing these concerns, the MEC revealed that the National Departments of Public Works and Education together with the Provincial Departments are in partnership to address most of these problems. The plan of this partnership includes building a "model school". He described a "model school" as a school that has the following features: adequate toilet facilities; clean running water; electricity; proper furniture and learning material; as well as proper roads infrastructure to access the school.

The people of Ngxabaxha are among the first to benefit from this partnership plan. The T425 road will be prioritised as a special project to address the poor state this road is in currently. The MEC undertook to consider in the list of roads to be upgraded.

MEC Masualle expressed a deep concern with the condition of the Ngxabaxha Senior Secondary School in this area, and also welcomed and encouraged the enthusiasm and commitment of the people of this area in taking progressive initiatives in addressing some of their problems. One such initiative is their effort to build a school, which they did successfully. They have built five classrooms and three offices on their own. The school uses solar electrification system provided for by the community; the community has also employed two teachers and security personnel remunerated by the community.

The MEC stressed that it is such communities that this country needs and which Government will go out of its way to assist. The community was again encouraged to take active part in assisting the Ward Councillor through the Ward committee.

Issued by: Office for the MEC of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape, 17 May 2001