In a heartwarming display of support, Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade visited Limekhaya High and Ilinge Primary Schools in Kariega, where he donated 100 pairs of school shoes, blankets, and reading books to learners. The gesture, timed perfectly as winter approaches, aims to provide warmth, comfort, and motivation, helping learners feel seen and supported by the Department of Education.
The visit formed part of a broader back-to-school campaign in Nelson Mandela Bay. This initiative is part of the Provincial Government s commitment to providing quality education and a safe learning environment for learners.
These small acts of kindness go a long way,” said MEC Gade. When learners feel acknowledged and cared for, they re better able to focus on their schoolwork and thrive in their learning environment.”
MEC Gade also made a stop at KwaLanga Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, focusing on learner safety and the quality of early childhood care. The purpose of the visit was to assess the centre s compliance with departmental registration requirements, particularly in areas such as practitioner training standards and broader efforts to professionalise the ECD sector.
During his visit, MEC Gade engaged with staff and evaluated the facility s safety protocols. He committed to installing proper fencing around the centre to enhance the safety and security of learners.MEC Gade emphasized the importance of early childhood development and care, particularly for children being raised by grandparents or in households where fathers are absent. He stressed the need for these caregivers to fully understand and respond to the needs of the child, ensuring they do not fall through the cracks of the system
This visit comes on the heels of the department's recent 2025/2026 policy and budget speech, which included a significant allocation of R3.9 billion for Early Childhood Development. MEC Gade's hands-on engagement in Kariega reinforces the department's stated commitment to making ECD a cornerstone of the Eastern Cape education system.
By prioritizing early learning and investing in tangible improvements at the school level, the Provincial Government is actively working to lay a solid foundation for future academic success and build upon ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes across the province.
