Epiroc, in partnership with key mining customer, Ivanplats (the South African subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mining), handed over a Science Laboratory to Somavugha Secondary School in Tshamahansi Village, Mokopane, in Limpopo, on 23rd May 2023.

“Education is the corner stone to paving a successful career path and economic independence,” says Epiroc’s Regional Corporate Responsibility Manager, Judy Vilakazi. “It is therefore no coincidence that we have earmarked education, which also aligns with Epiroc’s organisational strategy, as one of our key focus areas.”

Science is considered a pinnacle school subject but sadly many rural and disadvantaged schools like Somavugha do not have proper classrooms, let alone a Science Lab. In the past years learners have had to visualise the experiments, which is understandably a major concern for the educators. “Impressed with the determination of the learners to succeed and the dedication of the educators to help them do so, we felt that this school was most deserving of a Science Lab,” states Judy.

Funded by Epiroc’s Corporate Social Responsibility budget, the Science Lab can accommodate up to 50 learners. It has been fully equipped with all the necessary apparatus including Bunsen burners, beakers, test tubes and racks, retort stands, droppers, pH meters, a pressure gauge, light box and optical kit, a precision electronic balance, etc. The learners are also kitted out with lab coats and safety goggles. Not forgetting that learning is also fun, the exterior of the laboratory is donned in a very cool, colourful, aptly themed wrap.

Epiroc followed their mine customer’s tendering process and it was important from a community upliftment point of view to appoint local service providers. The Science Lab was fitted out in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Education (DOE) who also recommended an accredited service provider on their database. Judy points out that it was essential to collaborate with specialists in the education and science fields to ensure that the Science Lab meets the curriculum requirements.

Judy was joined by representatives from Ivanplats, to hand over the Science Lab to the School Principal J.B. Diase. Expressing his deep gratitude Diase says, “On behalf of the school and the educators, we would like to say thank you very much for the wonderful job that you have done for our school. We are extremely happy and can assure you that what you’ve done will not be in vain.”

"This is the first time that Epiroc has participated in such an initiative, and we are really looking forward to seeing the potential that this new and much-needed resource will unlock for the learners,” notes Judy enthusiastically. The learners are so excited by the fact that they are now able to put theory into practice by physically carrying out science experiments.

DOE Curriculum Manager, P.M. Matsepe, also extended her thanks to Epiroc and Ivanplats in assisting them in achieving their goal (strategic outcome indicator number 704 in physical science) with the donation of the Science Lab.

In closing Judy says, "We have once again demonstrated our commitment to partnering with and supporting customers in their community development strategies that are also in sync with our own corporate social responsibility policy and sustainable development goals.”