Mamba King renames Letindze Primary School to eGugwini
SITHOBELWENI – King Maloyi III has renamed a primary school called Letindze to eGugwini.
This was during the official opening of the school in the Letindze area, which is under the Sithobelweni Constituency in the Lubombo Region.
King Maloyi said it was his first time having to officially open a school adding that the school was close to his heart, hence the name eGugwini. The King shared that education was so important, adding that he was also currently learning. He said education was key, adding that it was also included in the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The king shared that his father was the one who cut the sod for the school to be built, hence he was excited to see it fully functional and to bless it on behalf of his father. King Maloyi then congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III for a successful Sibaya and the appointment of the politicians as well for the elections. Though the school is not new, it was said that the King had to officially open it, now that he was installed.
A community member, one Make Mamba, shared that the school was a result of women in the area. She said they initially were in a sewing business but did not have a market, hence they went to seek help and were told to apply for a school to be built in their area so they could supply it.
They shared that they were sold on the idea, given that their children were walking long distances to get to school, hence the school was built eventually.
The school’s head teacher said there were 150 pupils in the school last year and of them, 17 were in Grade VII, adding that there were only two failures.
She stated that they had challenges with a Grade zero class which they wished to have as well as restrooms for the pupils. She said they were doing different projects to generate money to build the structures.
“We are also requesting for fencing of the school as it is not well fenced,” she said.
The Lubombo Regional Education Officer (REO) appreciated the school’s administration for the hard work they were doing. He also encouraged the teachers to unite for the benefit of the pupils.
He further discouraged the act of protesting among parents. This, he said, was destroying the future of their children.
He stated that in the event they had challenges, communication was key.
The REO further discouraged the acts of teachers having sexual relations with pupils. “If you do any of those things, you will be dragging the King’s name in the mud,” he said.
The REO also spoke against teachers and cooks from taking school food to their houses. He also requested parents to assist the head teacher in the event she requests items from them to keep the school running.