Media Statement: 25 September 2013 SABS celebrates Heritage Day by contributing to the legacy left by Mandela As part of Heritage Day which was celebrated all over South Africa on Tuesday, 24 September 2013, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) partnered with the Department of Basic Education and other organisations by contributing to the rich legacy left by former President Nelson Mandela. At a ceremony held to hand-over a number of state-of-the-art facilities to Clarkebury High School in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga thanked the SABS for its contribution to nation-building and the upliftment of previously disadvantaged communities, especially in the area of education. Clarkebury High School, which was built by missionaries in 1927, is where Nelson Mandela received his secondary education. Apart from Mandela, the school has also produced other iconic leaders in South Africa. The school was identified last year by the Department of Basic Education as one of the 94 schools that are in dire need of refurbishment and infrastructure development. The 94 schools were chosen to coincide with Madiba’s 94th birthday in 2012. During a visit to the school last year, the SABS made a commitment to provide financial support to the school for the renewal and modernisation of its laboratory equipment. The purpose of the ceremony held on Heritage Day was aimed at handing over state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to the school which was purchased by the SABS. During the handing over ceremony, Mr Frank Makamo, the SABS Executive responsible for Certification and Testing, said the SABS saw it fit to choose a project aimed at enhancing Maths and Science Education at the school. He said, “There is a general shortage of skills in the field of science and technology in the country. By grooming and training learners at an early age, we will encourage them to consider pursuing careers in science and technology. If we are to ensure long-term sustainability of this country, we need to see more and more professionals entering the field of science and technology”. Mr Makamo said the SABS was a highly technical organisation responsible for testing a variety of products consumed in the country to ensure their safety. He said the SABS needed highly skilled test officers to perform this function. Makamo hopes to see future test officers of the SABS being products of Clarkebury High School. He therefore urged learners to take good care of the equipment and ensure that they are used optimally to improve their quality of learning in Science subjects. The Principal of Clarkebury High School, Mr Ayanda Matshayana, said his school was honoured to have been chosen by the SABS for support. He said by providing his school with modern laboratory equipment, the SABS will leave an indelible mark in improving the school’s science education. Matshayana added, “Physical Science is an extremely complex subject that requires practical learning in order for students to comprehend the curriculum. Our students no longer have to rely solely on textbooks but can enjoy the practical exercises that form part of the subject, and my sincere gratitude goes to the SABS”. Other organisations that partnered with the Department of Basic Education include Paarl Media, for the construction of a multi-purpose sports facility, and Sangari-SA for the development of advanced learner support tools. The Department itself will continue with constructing more modern classrooms for the school, with support from other companies such as Massmart. In her closing remark, Madiba’s granddaughter Ndileka Mandela, thanked all the companies and organisations that have heeded the call to contribute to nation- building, particularly in the area of education. She said by doing so, they have demonstrated their commitment to prolonging the legacy of Madiba, who is passionate about education. Ends. Contact Information Tebogo Seate – SABS Spokesperson Tel: (012) 428 6718 Cell: 071 1696 853 E-mail: [email protected] .