Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has defended the department’s partnership with McDonald’s to provide mobile desks to impoverished schools. The desks, which are branded with McDonald’s colors, can be folded into bags that learners can carry home. Gwarube stated that the decision to partner with McDonald’s was not taken lightly, and the department considered various factors, including financial strain in infrastructure development.Despite criticism from social media users, who expressed concerns about the weight and practicality of the desks, Gwarube emphasized the initiative’s innovative approach to supporting less fortunate learners. She highlighted that the desks, approved by UNESCO, provide a solution for children who lack a dedicated space for homework at home. The desks are designed to be used throughout a child’s school career.
