New classrooms for local school from the Princess of Monaco

The school is one of the Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation's beneficiaries, but the majority of the money was raised for the school through horseracing shows and competitions that are planned by the princess's family.

October 19, 2020

Jemma Buys 2 minutes read

Principal Thobile Mavundlha is very pleased with her school's new classrooms.

The family of Her Serene Highness (HSH) Princess Charlene of Monaco recently opened three new modular classrooms at Gugulesizwe Primary School, in Daveyton, on behalf of the princess who could not attend.

In attendance to represent the princess was Mike, Raigen, Chantell and Lynette Wittstock.

“We have supported the school for a long time,” explained Mike, father of HSH Princess Charlene.

“At the request of the school we decided to build these classrooms. They did not have enough space for the grade R learners. Now with the new classrooms they can have 30 learners per class.”

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Since HSH Princess Charlene launched her foundation, she ‘adopted’ the school and has been supporting them ever since.

“The three new classrooms cos R989 000 to build,” explained Mike.

“The design allows for each classroom to have its own fully operational kitchen, storeroom and toilet. Within six weeks, the job was complete.”

Since 2012, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation has provided a shelter for the children, while the school has been burglar-proofed and completely tiled throughout.

The school also boasts a fully furnished kitchen with a gas stove, large deep freeze, bigger fridge, two stainless steel tables, large steel washing basin, three trollies to deliver food to classrooms and 1 000 enamel feeding bowls with lids.

A big thank you hug for Raigen Wittstock from Thobile Mavundlha, principal of Gugulesizwe Primary School.

Everyone makes their way around one of the newly built classrooms.

Lynette Wittstock (left), Thobile Mavundlha and Mike Wittstock share an elbow greeting while handing out thank you cards and flowers.

Mike Wittstock with grandson Raigen Wittstock outside one of the new classrooms.

Bongekile Kunene (left), Raigen Wittstock, Sphiwe Msibi and Phumzi Bukhali stand in their newly furnished kitchen, thanks to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

Grade Rs sang a 'thank you' song for HSH Princess Charlene outside the newly built classrooms.

Lynette Wittstock, HSH Princess Charlene's mother, receives thank you flowers from the principal of the school, Thobile Mavundlha.

Raigen (left) and Mike Wittstock sit outside the classroom with principal Thobile Mavundlha.

Raigen Wittstock hands over they keys to principal Thobile Mavundlha.

Raigen Wittstock cutting the ribbon of the new classrooms.

“The toilets were also re-furbished, along with new taps, urinals and wash basins,” Mike added.

“The school was also having a huge problem with blockage and overflowing of the school’s pipes and drainage system so we added two manholes to allow for easier drainage.”

Majority of the money raised to make these adaptions to the school was raised through horseracing shows and competitions that are planned by Charlene’s family and Emperors Palace.

“Once a year we take 100 children by bus to Charlene’s race day at Turffontein,” Mike added.

“Each child gets a cap, T-shirt, a lovely lunch and spends the day watching the horses while being in the fresh air. The racing people have been absolutely fantastic, really great and generous people.”

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These new classrooms are the most recent contribution to the school.

“The school is very well run, they always account for every cent donated and they have a great head mistress and staff,” Mike said.

“Testimony to this is that they have not had even one Covid-19 case since the pandemic broke out.”

Members from the Department of Basic Education were seen on the day congratulating the principal of the school, Thobile Mavundlha, who had many to thank on the day.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here on this special occasion as we open the new classrooms that have been donated to us by the lovely Princess Charlene and her foundation,” said Mavundlha.

Mavundlha also welcomed and thanked Pooven Chetty, Simon Boloshe, Joseph Ndlovu and Boniswa Nhlangothi, from the Department of Basic Education, for their support and attendance.

“We are very thankful for everything that has been done for us. Without the foundation, the time, effort and hard-work we wouldn’t have these beautiful classrooms,” the principal added.

“Please thank the princess for us for the genuine support and care that she has given us from the beginning in 2012.”