De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) has partnered with the Free State Department of Education, and Kagiso Shanduka Trust (KST) to unveil two educational infrastructure projects in its labour sending area community of Viljoenskroon.

DBCM fully supports the Department of Education’s national agenda to provide basic education to South African and continues to invest in a number of educational programmes and educational infrastructure projects across the country.
The company funded the construction of the media centre at Ntsoanatsatsi Primary, the provision of books and resources such as computers and furniture, including a librarian and curriculum-related training.  At Mahlabateng Primary, the company refurbished classrooms and paved the school grounds. 

In 2016, DBCM spent R5.1 million and R1.9 million year-to-date in supporting educational projects in the Free State. The company spent a total of R27.6 million on 30 educational projects across all its operations last year.

Speaking at the handover, CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM), Phillip Barton, said: “At De Beers we are passionate about our communities, and we pride ourselves in forging strategic partnerships that significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of our country.”

“In partnership with KST, we have made significant and lasting contributions in the Free State through implementing infrastructure projects in schools. The opening of this media centre is the beginning of an exciting new era for the young learners of Ntsoanatsatsi Primary. As a company, we are privileged to play a role in shaping these young lives and ultimately contributing to the future leaders, professional and citizens of Free State,” said Barton.

MEC of Education, Tate Makgoe gave a key note address at the launch of the media centre and thanked De Beers and KST for supporting the development of the Free State education system.

“Thank you for supporting education in the Province. We value your ideas and the contributions you have made in liberating our communities through education. This media centre is not only a building, it represents educational empowerment for this generation of learners. It is initiatives like this one that will contribute and mould future leaders on the Free State,” said Makgoe.

“Yvonne Themba, a Trustee of KST said: "Education is a priority and we need to make sure that we make the learning environment friendly for both educators and learners. This infrastructure will be of good use, not only to the learners, but the educators as well. We are very pleased that De Beers chose to partner with us as they are not a newcomer to doing work in education and we have watched them from the sidelines in awe of their work."

DBCM has also partnered with KST and other various organisations in the District Whole School Development Programme, which has been successfully implemented in schools in the Fezile Dabi and Motheo Districts in the Free State.

Currently in its fourth year, over 60  schools  have  benefited through the programme  by  receiving  infrastructure  projects  such  as  new  and renovated classrooms, ablution facilities, libraries, media centres, science laboratories and kitchens. Over  2 000  teachers  are  being  supported  through  the  curriculum  development  programme  and over 18 000  learners  have  undergone  eye  sight  testing,  with  over 600 learners having  received  free  spectacles.