Mining Company donates 500 pairs of school shoes
A total of 15 schools in the Carolina circuit benefited from donations by local businesses and a mining company in an event held at Zinikeleni Secondary School on Monday.
A total of 15 schools in the Carolina circuit benefited from donations by local businesses and a mining company in an event held at Zinikeleni Secondary School on Monday.
Executive director of Vaalbult Mining Company, Mr Crause Mabudafhasi, donated 500 pairs of school shoes that were distributed to nine schools and a further R144 000 worth of bursaries to four academically deserving students from Zinikeleni Secondary School, which they have adopted.
During his address, Mr Mabudafhasi said education is the backbone of any society and for any society to prosper, it must invest in its youth and education. He further referred to an extract from the Freedom Charter: “People shall share in the country’s wealth” which he said the donation was based on.
He encouraged the youth to stay away from drugs and alcohol and focus on their education.
Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Mr Sibusiso Malaza delivered the keynote address for the day. He said these were baby steps towards building a caring society.
“The truth is that government has limited resources, hence we all need to put in an effort and assist in building a caring society. It is such initiatives that assist in the government’s quest,” said Mr Malaza.
He added that such a donation allows impoverished learners to see themselves as equal to other learners, which encourages the teaching and learning development.
The Department of Education acting District Director, Mr P.P. Magagula, said such donations are welcome. He also encouraged learners to consider teaching as a profession of choice, as there is a huge shortage of teachers and reminded everyone that teaching is the mother of all professions.
Carolina circuit manager Ms Z.V. Mdlalose assured the sponsors that their donations did not go to waste and assured them that they have partnered with winners, referring to her circuit’s 89 per cent achievement this year.
“As a circuit we obtained position one in the Albert Luthuli Sub Region with 89 per cent and we’re going for 95 per cent this year,” said Ms Mdlalose to a round of applause.
Member of the school governing body Mr Dumisani Jele also thanked local businesses for their sponsorship of 90 school bags to six schools. The businesses include EPHS Security, Dr Mabasa (dentist), Carolina Spar Supermarket, 21st Funeral Services (Carolina branch) and Jet Stores in Carolina.
