Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has defended the department's partnership with fast-food franchise McDonald's. This comes as viral photos caused a stir after brightly McDonald's branded desks went viral.
Gwarube had handed over Mi Desks to Grade 1 pupils at St Paul’s Primary school in Bo Kaap on Monday. The desks can be folded into bags that children can carry home.
PICTURE: X - @Siviwe_GSpeaking to the media on the sidelines of the Basic
Education Lekgotla, Gwarube said the department had considered various factors
before making the decision.
"Firstly, these desks have been approved by UNESCO,
they are 2 kilograms heavy and UNESCO has indicated that these are absolutely
appropriate but what is important for me is that there are children in this
country who go to places and homes where they don’t have even an area to do
their homework."
"It allows a child who comes from a poor home where
there's no electricity to have, firstly, a light that allows them to do their
homework. Secondly, it also allows them to be able to have a space to be able
to do their homework. Of course, if you've got space at home, you may not need
it,’’ she added.
PICTURE: X - @Siviwe_GGwarube said the safety of the carrying of the desks has
been scientifically proven by scientists.
"I promise you, if you're a child from a small house
where there's no place for you to do your homework, you will appreciate being
able to do that. So, one, on the safety of the carrying of the desk,that has
been scientifically proven to us by scientists. Number two, this is a matter of
saying where children need this help, this is where they will have it."
Done By: Elona Sibunzi
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