The MEC of the department of Social Development in the Northern Cape Nontobeko Vilakazi along with various officials from the department embarked on a back to school campaign in the Pixley Ka Seme District area. The department says this initiative was aimed at empowering learners by providing them with much needed uniforms, and sanitary towels for girl children to remain in school. The MEC and her team kicked off their campaign at the Gariep High School in Prieska as part of the Executive Mayor's back to school campaign and closed off their campaign in the Siyancuma Local Municipal are, in Douglas at Weslaan High School. The departmetn says this initiative is implemented across the Pixley ka Seme District with the objective of empowering learners, thus providing them with the much needed uniforms, sanitary towels for girl children to remain in school. The department further says in a statement the MEC Vilakazi motivated learners and urged them to remain focused on their education despite their circumstances and establish support systems so they don't feel alone. She further spoke out against teenage pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse and urged the learners to priorities learning time even after or outside of the normal school hours.

Journalist: Mbali Masiza
Email: mbalimasiza198@gmail.com