Tongaat Hulett last week donated new school uniforms and shoes to disadvantaged pupils at Nkosibomvu High School in the Hambanathi community in Tongaat.
The donation is part of the company’s Back to School campaign and is to support learners whose parents lost their jobs during the Covid-19 lockdown.
‘It is widely recognised that school uniforms contribute to an improved culture of learning in schools as it builds a sense of pride, increases learner attendance and attention in the classroom as learners are not concerned about what other students are wearing,’ said Nkonzo Mhlongo, Tongaat Hulett’s socio-economic development manager.
‘In addition, Tongaat Hulett has committed to working with a wide range of stakeholders to support communities negatively affected by Covid-19.’
Mhlongo said they have also donated approximately 250 000 litres of sanitiser to the KZN Department of Health, and 60 tonnes of instant porridge has been distributed in affected communities.
‘We will continue to monitor and respond to Covid-19 related impacts within our communities. Our priority is the health and well-being of our employees and the communities in the areas in which the company operates,’ said Mhlongo.
Teacher at Nkosibomvu High School, Rachel Lindiwe Xulu, said the school recorded an increased number of learners with school uniforms in poor condition in 2021.
‘Most parents had lost their jobs during the hard lockdown period. I contacted Tongaat Hulett who did not hesitate to support the indigent learners.
‘The donation of school uniforms will ensure the learners have a good start this year. Parents will not have to worry about buying school uniforms with their meagre resources,’ said Xulu.