ANCYL leadership visits Kwa Komani Technical School as part of Back to School campaign

Senior leaders of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) descended on Kwa Komani Technical School this week as part of the ANC and ANCYL’s ongoing Back to School campaign aimed at ensuring schools across the Eastern Cape are ready for the 2026 academic year.

The visit was led by ANCYL Secretary General, Comrade Tsakani Shiviti, accompanied by ANCYL National Executive Committee members Comrades Aphiwe Mkhangelwa and Douglas Mhlongo, as well as the ANCYL Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Secretary, Comrade Thumeka Mqekelana. They were joined by members of the ANCYL Chris Hani Regional leadership.

Focus on school readiness and learner support

The Back to School campaign is a nationwide initiative undertaken by the ANC and its leagues to assess the state of readiness at schools at the start of the academic year.

The campaign focuses on infrastructure conditions, learner resources, and overall preparedness to ensure teaching and learning can begin without unnecessary disruptions.

During their visit to Kwa Komani Technical School, the delegation interacted with school management and learners, observing conditions on the ground and engaging around challenges facing the school community.

Kwa Komani Technical School serves learners from various communities in and around Komani, many of whom come from working-class households where access to basic learning resources remains a challenge.

Material support handed over to learners

As part of the visit, the ANCYL made several material contributions aimed at supporting learners and easing some of the pressures faced by families at the start of the school year.

The support included:

• Three tablets awarded to the top three Grade 11 achievers of 2025, in recognition of academic excellence

• Four hundred pens to assist learners with basic stationery needs

• Three hundred packs of sanitary towels to support girl learners

• Twenty pairs of shoes for learners in need

• Five reams of Typek paper for school use

The items were officially handed over during the visit, with the ANCYL emphasising the importance of creating a conducive learning environment and supporting learners beyond the classroom.

Recognising excellence and addressing inequality

The awarding of tablets to top-performing Grade 11 learners formed part of efforts to recognise academic achievement while also promoting digital access in education.

Access to technology remains uneven across many schools in the region, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities.

Sanitary towels and shoes were highlighted as essential items that directly affect learner dignity and school attendance, especially among young girls and learners from impoverished households.

Youth leadership presence welcomed

The presence of national and provincial youth leaders was noted as a show of solidarity with both learners and educators in the Chris Hani Region.

Back to School campaigns have become a regular feature at the beginning of each academic year, with political organisations, government departments, and civil society groups taking part in monitoring readiness and offering support.

Kwa Komani Technical School forms part of several schools visited across the province under the campaign, which continues to assess conditions and identify areas requiring urgent attention.