Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has responded to the controversy surrounding the rollout of foldable desks in impoverished areas this week, claiming that experts had given their seal of approval.
The innovation – initiated by MiDesk Global and UNICEF – was introduced to students in rural areas.
According to the education department, the charity campaign comes amid “infrastructure challenges” to the sector.
MINISTER ON FOLDABLE DESKS: ‘THEY ARE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN’
This week, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube introduced the foldable desks to impoverished students in the Bo Kaap. The desks were sponsored by McDonald’s and were created in the trademark yellow and red colors, fitted with a logo.
The campaign – developed by MiDesks Global – comprises of a wheelie schoolbag made of hard plastic, which converts into a desk and a chair with a solar light and a USB charging portal. The bag’s wheels allow the learners to pull it over any terrain.
The desks are also “sturdy” enough to last from grades R – 12.
In the Eastern Cape, the foldable desks – a green variant sponsored by Old Mutal – were introduced to learners in rural areas.
However, the size and specifications of the bags, and particularly corporate companies’ branding, left many South Africans enraged.
Responding to criticism, Minister Gwarube told reporters on Thursday, 27 February, that the foldable desks were “scientifically proven” to work.
She said: “These desks have been approved by UNESCO. They are two kilograms heavy, and UNESCO says this is appropriate.
She continued: “Not every child has to take a desk home. They may leave them there or convert them into a school bag. But what is important for me is that there are children in this country who go home to places where they don’t have an area to do their homework.
Minister Gwarube emphasised that the foldable desks were endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology.
She added: “It’s innovative. It allows a child who comes from a poor home where there is no electricity, which gives them a [solar] light, which allows them to do their homework. If you’ve got space at home, you may not need it. But if you’re a child from Mqanduli [Eastern Cape village], and it’s a small house and there is no place for you to do your homework, you will appreciate being able to do it.
“It is a matter of saying, ‘Where children need this help, this is where they will have it.’”
BACKLASH FROM THE PUBLIC
Despite Minister Siviwe Gwarube’s endorsement, South Africans on social media continued to bash the concept of foldable desks.
Images via MiDesk Global
@Emmy_Jiyane: “@Siviwe_G, You’re not suitable for the position of Minister of Education. The desk bag wears 2kg, and then with books and stationery, how much does it weigh?”
@ZuluUnchained: “She had an opportunity to fold, apologise and then promise the people to go back to the drawing board in search of more helpful, easy-on-the-eye inventions to help people children, and not defending nonsense.”
@tshidi3886: “What’s difficult in buying wooden desks and chairs that stay at the school?”
@MyownmindBouch: “Make her carry her desk around.”
ARE THE FOLDABLE DESKS A GOOD OR BAD IDEA FOR STUDENTS?
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