Programme Director,
Member of the Executive Council for Education in the Province, Mr F. Gade;
Representative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at the US Consulate General in Cape Town, Ms Amanda Fong;
Officials of the United States Office for Defense Cooperation;
Officials of Basic Education at National and the Province;
The School Principal, teachers, and learners of Zwelemfundo Primary School;
Community leaders

It is my distinct honour and privilege to deliver the keynote address at this critical juncture, the official handover of Zwelemfundo Primary School, located in the picturesque Scenery Park in East London.

This momentous occasion marks not only a significant achievement in our pursuit of educational excellence but also symbolises our government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality basic education.

Scenery Park, a suburb rich in community spirit, lies at the frontier of urban development and natural beauty in East London. This area, known for its serene landscapes and burgeoning development, is rapidly becoming a focal point for local tourism. Visitors are drawn to its tranquil settings and its proximity to the renowned beaches of the Eastern Cape and various cultural heritage sites. The shores, washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and blessed with a subtropical climate, are a sought-after destination for both local South Africans and international tourists alike.

East London, fondly referred to as Buffalo City, boasts a rich historical heritage dating back to the pre-colonial era, before the arrival of British settlers in the 1820s. This vibrant coastal city not only plays a pivotal role in South Africa's automotive industry but also stood at the forefront of the "frontier wars" for independence, further cementing its significance in the annals of South African history.

Ladies and gentlemen, the name of this school, Zwelemfundo, which translates to "a country of education," is profoundly symbolic. It reflects our vision of transforming our nation through education.

This name symbolises hope, signifying that education is the cornerstone of national development. It underscores the belief that every child born in this 'country of education' has the right to learn, dream, and aspire to greater heights. It embodies our commitment to nurturing young minds to understand, appreciate, and innovate in the world they inherit.

Today, as we stand on the premises of Zwelemfundo Primary School, we are reminded of the power of education to change destinies. This institution is not just a collection of buildings but a cradle of future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who will drive our country forward.

The handover of this school is not merely a ceremonial transfer of infrastructure—it is the passing of a torch of knowledge and empowerment from one generation to the next.

Let us all embrace the spirit encapsulated in the name Zwelemfundo. Let us continue to build and support “a country of education” where every child is a national asset and can achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of our nation.

However, Programme Director, it is crucial to acknowledge that our gathering here today is not solely the result of our efforts. Indeed, we are here because we have formidable allies in this journey—specifically, the people of the United States of America. Through their democratically elected government, they have extended a hand of friendship and cooperation that has been instrumental in making today's achievements possible. Their commitment and support have played a pivotal role in our progress, and we are profoundly grateful for this.

Our collaboration is intricately woven through the efforts of the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education in South Africa with esteemed American counterparts, including the United States Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, and the Office of Defense cooperation at the US Diplomatic Mission to South Africa.

This partnership is dedicated to elevating the quality of basic and higher education, enhancing technical and vocational training, and fostering skills development and innovation.

Our objective is clear: to equip our youth with the requisite skills to thrive in a modern economy and create an environment curtailing emigration by offering promising domestic opportunities. Significant strides have been made in building essential infrastructure, with the United States Office of Defense Cooperation providing critical support in constructing educational facilities that directly impact our students' learning environments.

Today, we witness the fruits of this collaboration here at Zwelemfundo Primary School, where spacious classrooms and well-equipped sanitation facilities contribute to a dignified and conducive educational setting.

Let me share with you some of the milestones achieved through our joint efforts:

• Between 2010 and 2016, projects totalling R20 million were completed across five schools in Limpopo.
• From 2018 to the present, an additional R30 million has been invested in four schools in the Eastern Cape, including this esteemed institution.
• During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Office of Defense Cooperation contributed R3.7 million to purchase water tanks across schools in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, ensuring access to essential resources.
• Furthermore, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo, a donation of 2672 Maths Dictionaries was made to enhance the educational resources available to the learners of KwaZulu-Natal.

This support, a testament to the power of diplomatic engagement, demonstrates how bilateral cooperation can navigate the complexities of global geopolitics to produce tangible benefits for our communities.

Our friendship with America extends back to the dark days of apartheid. Our then freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, recently released from imprisonment, was honoured to address the Joint Session of the House of Congress in Washington DC, United States, on 26 June 1990.

Remarkably, he delivered this address to the US Congress despite not being a head of state yet, an honour extended to a few leaders.

President Mandela told the US Congress, ‘To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. To impose on them a wretched life of hunger and deprivation is to dehumanise them.'

This profound statement reminds us of the essence of our partnership—it's not merely about constructing infrastructure but about affirming the fundamental human right to education for every learner by providing them with the opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Similarly, President Obama's tribute to President Nelson Mandela’s memorial service on 10 December 2013 underscored the intrinsic value of perseverance and vision when he said: "Mandela taught us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals."

These words inspire us to press forward, despite our challenges, and continue working towards improving our nation through basic education.

Therefore, this collaboration is a testament to the power of diplomatic engagement and the enduring spirit of humanity and friendship that President Mandela and President Obama have spoken of.

In truth, our relationship with America transcends state relations and protocols; it extends to the people-to-people connections that have thrived since time immemorial. Take, for instance, the esteemed John Langalibalele Dube, founding President of the African National Congress. Dube's educational pursuits led him to the United States in the early 1890s, where he encountered firsthand the profound influence of Booker T. Washington. This encounter not only enriched his academic journey but also left an indelible mark on his worldview and subsequent contributions to South African society.

Our efforts align with Mandela’s vision of a South Africa where 'all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities' – a vision that is as pertinent today as it was during his lifetime​​.

This drives our commitment to ensuring that each child, each teacher, and each community member involved with Zwelemfundo Primary School experiences the fruits of this partnership.

The projects we celebrate today are not mere constructions but the building blocks of a future where each child can embrace basic education as a tool for personal and communal upliftment.

President Obama rightly observed, “We must act on behalf of justice. We must act on behalf of peace​​.”

Thus, each classroom we inaugurate, each teacher we empower, and each student we inspire is a step towards justice and peace.

In the broader scope, our partnership with the United States mirrors the global commitment to educational and social progress. The contributions from the United States Office of Defense Cooperation have improved our educational landscape and symbolically reinforced the bridges of understanding and cooperation between our nations.

As we look to the future, let us be guided by the hopeful and resilient spirit encapsulated in the name 'Zwelemfundo'. Let this school be more than a place of learning—let it be a place where young minds are nurtured to appreciate their past while shaping a better, more inclusive future.

Let it stand as a monument to what can be achieved when nations unite for a common purpose.

Therefore, as we move forward, let our actions reflect our dedication to the ideals that Mandela and Obama spoke of – ideals of democracy, freedom, and the inherent dignity of every individual.

Therefore, it is entirely appropriate that we officially hand over this school mere weeks before South Africa heads to the polls on 29 May. This event acts as a poignant reminder of the democratic strides we have taken and the responsibilities we continue to uphold. As South Africans prepare to cast their votes, they do so, representing not just themselves but also a community of nations that deeply cherishes the values of liberty and freedom. This act of voting reaffirms our collective commitment to democracy and underlines our progress in ensuring that every citizen’s voice can and will be heard.

In this context, the handover of Zwelemfundo Primary School becomes more than a ceremonial occasion; it symbolises the tangible outcomes of our democratic process. In this institution, future generations will learn about the sacrifices made for their freedoms and the importance of their participation in our democracy. They will be educated in academic subjects and values that characterise a free and fair society. As our nation goes to the polls, these young minds will observe firsthand the exercise of democratic rights and the power of community involvement in shaping our society’s future.

It is fitting that our seventh national and provincial general election coincides with the 30th anniversary of our democracy. From the turbulent times leading up to the 1994 election to the year 2024, we have embarked on a long journey marked by progress, detours, and sometimes failures. However, we have not failed as a democracy. Our soldiers remain in the barracks, or they maintain peace in volatile or fragile states across the continent of Africa.

We have demonstrated repeatedly that when voters speak, we all listen. There has been a smooth government transition at both national and local levels without any hint of resistance.

Remarkably, since the election season was declared, not a single voter or candidate has been killed.

Our democracy is vibrant, upheld by a fiercely independent media, an independent judiciary, and a robust civil society.

On the global stage, we are no longer viewed as pariahs but as friends to those who value liberty and freedom.

As I stand here today, I extend an invitation to America and the global north to continue pursuing a path of liberty and freedom at home and abroad.

Programme director, on behalf of our government, I thank each of you, from the local community members to our international partners, for your commitment and support.

Together, we are not just celebrating the opening of a school; we are reaffirming our commitment to the children of South Africa and to the enduring power of basic education.

May Zwelemfundo Primary School flourish, may our partnerships thrive, and may we continue to be inspired by leaders past and present as we work towards creating a world defined by education, equality, and peace.

May God bless South Africa and the United States of America.

Thank you.