Dr Knack Primary School gets a new kitchen

ALEXANDRA – The gift was welcomed by the school's 1 494 pupils, 38 teachers and an official from the district office.

September 14, 2017

Leseho Manala 1 minute read

Dr Knack Primary School traditional dancers thank Old Mutual for the kitchen donation through dance. Photo: Leseho Manala

Financial services company, Old Mutual brought joy to Dr Knack Primary School by donating a kitchen.

The gift was welcomed by the school’s 1 494 pupils, 38 teachers and an official from the district office who in keeping with African tradition serenaded their benefactors through songs, Koisan and pantsula dances, poetry and prayer.

Principal John Shai said they were struggling to provide adequate and timely meals to children using the old kitchen.

“We will guard it jealously to ensure it’s not broken into and food items are not contaminated by rodents,” he said. The kitchen has storage space, a stove and plug points for other appliances, two serving hatches and power can be provided by gas and a generator.

The company’s Zoleka Cima said the children would now be assured of a reliable and nutritious food supply from the kitchen which filled a gap in the school’s nutrition programme. “The majority of township pupils are from poor homes and don’t attend all classes due to being hungry,” added Cima. She said others came late because they were scrounging for breakfast. “Without food and energy, they lose concentration in class and fail. The kitchen will contribute to their positive future and, ensure equity in education, prosperity and progress in the country.”

This led to one of the school’s workers to remark, Letla ja ha monate (you will have enjoyable meals).

Shai expressed hope that the donation would encourage other companies to get involved to address the children’s needs of school uniforms, stationery and extra facilities to deal with over crowding.

He decried the spate of burglaries affecting local schools. The last incident at his school occurred in October last year when several computers, the PA system, a data projector and kitchen utensils including big pots were stolen.