R15m donation a big boost to kasi schools

Pupils from two schools in Mpumalanga have been given an opportunity to improve in science and technology following the donation of R15 million worth of equipment and tools.

The Sasol Inzalo Foundation recently handed the equipment and officially handed over two brand new classrooms to Lekete Comprehensive School and Hazyview Comprehensive school in Hazyview. The two schools are expected to produce future Sasol employees.

“This will ensure that these future employees have the necessary skills that are required by Sasol. We hope the new classrooms and equipment will encourage the learners to work hard towards their future careers,” said the foundation’s programme operator Cynthia Malinga.

The donation included safety boots, ear muffs, helmets, gloves, laptops for the teachers, protective goggles, welding equipment, specialised electric plugs, text books and other science and technology equipment.

“By 2016 we want to double the number of learners who are doing science and technology. Together with the Department of Basic Education, we are trying to bridge the gap in science and technology training that currently exists,” she said.

Malinga said currently the Sasol Inzalo Foundation takes care of five schools in South Africa that fall under the group’s Network Technical Schools.

She said it was important for Sasol to see to it that future artisans obtain the required skills.

Hazyview Comprehensive School received their new classroom in January this year but the official handover for both classrooms were only done on October 15 to allow the completion of the Lekete classroom.

Provincial education MEC Reginah Mhaule expressed her gratitude towards the donation.

“We are very grateful for such support. This will show that we are not alone. I encourage you to study hard and stay focused. With this technical support I hope we can expect the best results we have yet seen,” said Mhaule.

Grade 9 teacher at Lekete Comprehensive, Angel Ngomane, said the donation will make the teaching of technical subjects a lot easier.

“We used to demonstrate by means of drawings which took a lot of time. We really appreciate the donation,” said Ngomane.

Lekete Comprehensive Grade 10 science and technology pupil Zandile Manda (15) said that this is the best donation they have ever received.

“We are very thankful for this and promise we will produce good results,” she Manda.

Written by: Ziwaphi on 25th Oct 2015.on 10th Jan 2016.