The Vaal Region was honoured to receive the TWB programme in 2004. This for the fourth consecutive year!

Mr Yunus Peer once again assembled a formidable team. The six members of the team acquitted themselves admirably throughout the programme.

On Monday 28 July 2004, 280 learners had the benefit of being taught by the TWB team. This year the programme was moved to the Sebokeng campus of the Vaal University of Technology. My appreciation goes to Prof Mokadi and his staff for supporting our programme. Vaal Toyota made vehicles available for transport and I place on record my thanks to Mr Mike Barkett for his support.

On Tuesday 28.07.2004 fifty teachers began a four-day programme. At the closing ceremony held at the Vaal Teknorama the teachers expressed unqualified approval of the project. They had been immensely capacitated and enriched by the experience. We were humbled to hear the members of the TWB team express their gratitude as well for the interaction.

South Africans are using 2004 as the year of introspection as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our budding democracy. In every facet of our nation we appear to be unanimous that much has been achieved and much more needs to be done. That "much more" can only come through disciplined application in our spheres of influence. Every South African has to work harder, sacrifice willingly and seek unity of purpose in meeting three huge challenges: fighting crime, reducing unemployment and arresting the spread of HIV / Aids. Education is the sharpest weapon in this struggle. The TWB programme fits perfectly in this context.

I am of the view that this programme needs to continue well into future, though not necessarily in the Vaal. While the TWB team were in Umtata, my work took me into the heart of rural Free State. It reinforced my belief that the TWB project needs to get to more teachers in rural areas, they need the exposure much more than their urban counterparts. The Vaal has benefited from the programme in a way that cannot be scientifically measured. Counting the teachers and multiplying that number by the learners reached only tells a fraction of the story. We have had the immeasurable gift of knowledge, knowledge transferred with love and dedication by some amazing educators.

Should circumstances permit, I would be privileged to continue my ongoing support of the programme. Mr Yunus Peer has left behind a gracious legacy in this area and may he be abundantly blessed for his industrious efforts.

Yunus Chamda

Speaker – Emfuleni Local Municipality