THE Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) last week ensured that 53 schools in the Zululand district have the necessary telecommunications tools to run successful learning establishments.
These schools now have access to printing, scanning, phoning and faxing – basic infrastructure that often does not exist in some rural areas.
Richards Bay’s TNPA Corporate Affairs Manager, Nkululeko Molefe, said the authority has invested R1.78-million to provide as many as 200 schools in Vryheid, eDumbe and Pongola with communications infrastructure, training and support.
At the handover event held in Paultpietersburg on Friday, the TNPA, eDumbe Municipality and Department of Education also showcased the diverse career opportunities available in the maritime industry.
‘We brought the Port of Richards Bay to the Zululand district’s community,’ said Molefe. ‘It is all about social development.
‘We handed over three-in-one telecommunication tools to the schools and provided information to learners at the career expo to learn more about all the work prospects at our port.’
Richards Bay Port Manager Preston Khomo said the project aims to uplift thousands of learners and give them the necessary boost to prosper in the future.
‘Communication is one of the most important things for schools to succeed and this project is about filling that gap,’ Khomo said.
TNPA Senior Manager for Stakeholder Relations and Sustainability, Thandi Mlangeni, added the career exhibition provided an opportunity to reach out to potential leaders.
‘We are exhibiting to ensure learners can make informed career choices.
‘It is also about creating a pipeline for the business. There is so much untapped talent that we can unearth in the hinterlands, as well as in rural areas,’ she said.
