Mahindra SA and Rotary SA light up lives
NIGEL/HEIDELBERG - Over 300 solar lamps, pencil bags and food parcels were handed out to matric learners from Esibonelwesihle Secondary School in Duduza and Ratanda Secondary School on February 24.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/121/2016/02/IMG_9527-Custom.jpg)
Mahindra South Africa initiated a social responsibility programme in conjunction with Rotary South Africa to light up the lives of around 5 000 less fortunate matric learners countrywide.
The programme involves the donation of solar power and battery-operated lamps and a pencil bag filled with stationery, to ensure that matric learners from disadvantaged communities have adequate light by which to study after dark.
āThis will assist learners to study effectively both day and night in order to achieve their education objectives, and to acquire vital skills and knowledge,ā Sanjoy Gupta, chief executive officer of Mahindra SA (MSA) explained.
The handover of the lamps and pencil bags in Ratanda and Duduza was facilitated by Pierre Nel and ChanƩ Engelbrecht from Mahindra Heidelberg, and Georgina School and Iona Schoeman from Nigel Rotary Anns.
Commenting on behalf of Mahindra and Nigel Rotary Anns, Pierre thanked the principals and teachers of the two local schools for the opportunity to interact with their matric learners. He also expressed gratitude towards Rotary International who partnered with Mahindra SA in this community outreach programme.
![Pierre Nel from Mahindra Heidelberg is seen here addressing learners at Esibonelwesihle Secondary School in Duduza, during the handover of solar lamps and pencil bags to around 200 matrics. On the left is Georgina Scott from Nigel Rotary Anns and the principal Kamohelo Motloung, on the right.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/121/2016/02/IMG_9511-Custom-520x400.jpg)
![Iona Schoeman (Nigel Rotary Anns) with Kamohelo Motloung (principal of Esibonelwesihle Secondary School in Duduza) and Georgina Scott from Nigel Rotary Anns smiling at the camera during the hand-out of gift parcels to matric learners on February 24.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/121/2016/02/IMG_9512-Custom-520x400.jpg)