As part of its annual Back to School Campaign, Radio 2000 has been visiting various schools in some provinces throughout the month of January. The tour started in Mpumalanga on the 18^th of January 2012 where the station was joined by Sindi Nene (former Idols runner up) who encouraged learners of Hlalakahle High School to stay focused on their studies. Education MEC Mrs. Reginah Mhaule, the Premier Mr. DD Mabuza, Executive Mayor Cllr Grace Tiny Mthimunye, amongst many others, were present at the school opening ceremony. A representative from Price Waterhouse Coopers handed over a full bursary for a learner who passed exceptionally well with 8 distinctions.

Two days later the Radio 2000 Breakfast team was in KwaZulu Natal, Umlazi, Durban where Dj Zinhle (Zinhle Jiyane) addressed the highly disciplined pupils of Velabahleke High School about the importance of living your life to the fullest provided that you have something to fall back on. Among the guests were the District Director, Education Head of Department, and parents from the School Governing Body. One of the learners who were interviewed by Radio 2000’s Just Ice was fortunate enough to receive a bursary from a listener who called in after hearing that she wouldn’t attend varsity because of a lack of funding.  

Zitikeni Secondary High School in Tembisa, Gauteng was Radio 2000’s last stop for the month. Dj Sbu (Sibusiso Leope) was the guest speaker for the day. Various problems that were addressed included large numbers in the school. The school has 2500 learners and this makes it difficult for the educators to manage such high numbers. Mrs. Kekana, the principal of the school told Radio 2000 that some of the learners will be transferred to a nearby high school in March. Despite these problems, the school managed to obtain a pass rate of 65.13% for the 2011 Grade 12 class.

Radio 2000 is very happy with the outcome of this first round of broadcasts, as there were a number of schools who were recognized for their hard work as well giving a platform to pupils who did exceptionally well. These pupils are definite role models to their fellow students from the schools they attended as well as role models to pupils who tuned into the show. The station wishes them the best for the future. The station would also like to thank the celebrities who gave their time to this worthy cause.

“Education cannot be treated as a sole responsibility of government, every member of society has a role to play, hence we decided as Radio 2000 to embark on Back to School Campaign. Last year, we covered 4 provinces, but things are right on track this year to cover all provinces,” said the Radio 2000 Station Manager, James Shikwambana.