Latest news with #MbokodoPublishers
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
R600m Mkhondo Boarding School officially opened
The state-of-the-art Mkhondo Boarding School in Zimbidleni Village, Mkhondo, has been completed. The school, which provides a beacon of hope for learners from disadvantaged communities, was officially opened by the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, on Tuesday, August 5. Construction of the school began in 2019, with an initial budget of R200m and an estimated completion timeline of 18 months. However, the project has since received multiple budget injections, including R60m in November 2022, and R140m in November 2023. According to Ndlovu, the project cost over R600m. He said the school accommodates 425 learners from 10 schools that had been closed down due to low enrolment numbers and boasts impressive facilities including 32 classrooms, a science lab, a recreational centre and a computer lab. ALSO READ: Mbokodo Publishers promotes indigenous languages in Mbombela 'This no-fee boarding school is the sixth of its kind, and it is designed to address the challenges faced by learners and teachers in small and multi-grade schools,' he said. Ndlovu added that the provincial government aims to provide quality education to learners from rural areas and those living below the breadline, and this school is set to make an important impact on the community in the area. ALSO READ: Taxi operators participate in skills development at KaBokweni Stadium 'By investing in infrastructure and resources, the government hopes to bridge the gap in educational opportunities and empower young minds,' he said.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mbokodo Publishers promotes indigenous languages in Mbombela
Mbokodo Publishers hosted its second annual Siswati and isiNdebele literary awards briefing at The Gardens on Saturday, August 2. The purpose of the event was to inform interested parties about the upcoming Mbokodo Publishers' Literary Awards, set to take place on November 22. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on authors and poets writing in Siswati and isiNdebele, offering them recognition and encouragement. ALSO READ: Services disrupted at Mbombela licensing centre Speaking at the function, the founder of Mbokodo Publishers, Richard Mbokodo, emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous language through literature. 'This day is about giving writers and poets the recognition they deserve, and encouraging them to continue producing stories in their mother tongues. The awards are open to anyone who writes, and we want to ensure that they have a space in which their work is celebrated,' said Mbokodo. The awards seek to nurture linguistic diversity, encourage storytelling in African languages, and support authors contributing to the region's cultural heritage. ALSO READ: Mandela Day Boxing Championship brings thrilling action to KaNyamazane The attendance of people living with disabilities highlighted the need to ensure that literary platforms are inclusive and accessible to all. Entries for the awards are expected to open soon, with various categories recognising excellence in fiction, poetry, children's literature and educational writing.
