Basic Education Minister defends partnership with McDonald's
Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube has dug in her heels and says the decision was not taken on a whim.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on 21 November 2024 among ministers leading the multidisciplinary teams in government responsible for the national response to instances of food borne illnesses. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube has defended the department's partnership with global fast-food franchise McDonald's.
The collaboration this week caused uproar after photos on social media showed the brightly coloured yellow and red McDonald's branded desks, which can be folded into bags that children could carry home.
However, speaking on the sidelines of the 10th annual Basic Education Lekgotla in Boksburg, Gwarube said the department considered various factors before making the decision.
Gwarube has dug in her heels and said the decision was not taken on a whim.
READ: Budget constraints feature strongly on day one of Basic Education Lekgotla
With the financial and infrastructure challenges faced by the department, Gwarube said the collaboration was welcomed.
"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."
A few social media users also pointed out how carrying a desk imposed extra effort on poorer learners as opposed to those from more affluent backgrounds.
However, Gwarube said the department felt the initiative was innovative, giving less fortunate children some help to continue learning at home.