Provincial Legislature Engages Learners on the State of the Province Address
Story: Sinazo Bonongo | Photo: Sinazo Bonongo
The Walter Sisulu Local Municipality recently hosted members of the Provincial Legislature as they embarked on an educational outreach program aimed at engaging young minds on the significance of the State of the Province Address (SOPA). This initiative sought to empower learners from Ikhala TVET College and Ethembeni Senior Secondary School with insights into the role of governance and their participation in the country's development.
The engagement session featured a presentation by Honourable Mcotsho, who provided a breakdown of the SOPA, highlighting key developmental priorities and governmental strategies. Learners were encouraged to critically engage with the content and reflect on how the decisions and policies outlined in the address directly impact their communities and future opportunities.
A key component of the visit was an interactive question-and-answer session, where students had the opportunity to answer questions and to see whether they hadn clarity on various aspects of the SOPA. This platform allowed learners to actively participate, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and awareness. To further incentivise participation, the Chairperson of the meeting Honourable Keleku announced a special reward—a trip to Bhisho to witness the State of the Province Address firsthand. This opportunity aimed to inspire and deepen the learners' understanding of governance in action was won by Amkhitha Mkqayi and Liselihle Matuis.
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Honourable Speaker Cllr Mathetha, alongside Cllr Wele and several municipal officials. Their presence underscored the municipality’s commitment to education and youth engagement in governance. This initiative reflects the Provincial Legislature’s dedication to cultivating an informed and engaged youth, ensuring that future leaders understand the significance of policy-making and governance. By involving students in such discussions, the government is nurturing a culture of active citizenship and empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to the nation's growth.
The visit was met with enthusiasm from most of the learners and with such efforts, the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and the Provincial Legislature continue to pave the way for greater youth involvement in shaping the future of the province and the country at large