The Department of Basic Education (DBE) finds itself in hot water and having to defend the newly introduced Mi Desks, which were donated to two primary schools in Cape Town.
The initiative was in partnership with fast food chain, McDonalds South Africa and while the idea was aimed to achieve what DBE described as “bridging the gap of lack of proper school furniture particularly at marginalised communities,” the department now faces scrutiny over the design of these desks. The MiDesk which is made from plastic, can be folded into a bag that learners can carry on their backs or roll from home to school.
The desks sparked concerns on social media, with some questioning the practicality while others called for normal school furniture.
“Seriously? Another carry your own desk projects. This is a joke, we are paying taxes for schools to be equipped with desks,” @mark_wuger wrote on X.
@MokwadiMo’s comment read as “So learners are supposed to carry desks to and from school every day? What level of innovation is this? Or it’s for the privileged?”
Despite the criticism, DBE is adamant that this is a step in the right direction. “Today’s initiative is not just about desks it is about hope. It is about sending a clear message to these young minds that they are valued, that their education matters and that we believe in their potential to shape the future of our nation. By investing in our children’s education, we are investing in the future of South Africa,” read a statement from the department.
