Gwarube urges lasting investment in schools beyond 67 minutes of Mandela Day

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube urged businesses and civil society to invest in long-term education initiatives, saying Mandela Day should create lasting benefits for schools rather than being limited to a symbolic 67 minutes of service.

Call made during Mandela Day visit

Gwarube made the call on Saturday while visiting Giyani Primary School in Soweto, where she inspected a new classroom block under construction as part of Mandela Day. The classroom block was donated by Absa, with the project facilitated by Ride4Hope through its corporate fundraising initiative. Aspen also contributed towards hosting the Mandela Day event.

Partnerships to strengthen learning environments

At the handover ceremony, Gwarube emphasised the role of collaboration between government, business and communities in improving learning environments. She said such partnerships must complement public investment and respond to the real needs of schools.

“Mandela Day should leave more than a memory; it should leave communities stronger. These classrooms will provide additional space for teaching and learning and demonstrate what becomes possible when government, business and communities act around a shared purpose,”

She added that every child deserves a safe and appropriate learning environment in which strong foundations can be built.

Beyond 67 minutes: sustained, transparent support

Gwarube encouraged more businesses and civil society organisations to back transparent and sustainable education projects that address the challenges facing schools and communities. She said the success of Mandela Day should be judged by the lasting impact of projects rather than the time spent volunteering.

“The true measure of Mandela Day is not only what we do for 67 minutes, but what remains because we acted. Every classroom built, every teacher supported, and every learner given a better opportunity brings us closer to Strong Foundations for Strong Futures,”

She said sustained investment in education remains critical to unlocking every child’s potential and ensuring South Africa’s future, and that lasting collaboration between government, business and communities is needed to create safe, appropriate learning environments where students can build strong educational foundations.