Transnet gives King Zwelithini Primary School a facelift
As part of its school adoption programme, Transnet plans to give the King Zwelithini Primary School a facelift worth over R2 million. The facelift which will include major renovations will take place in collaboration with the Gauteng Provincial government.
Renovation at the school includes:
- Refurbishing and painting of the dilapidated buildings;
- Building of ramps;
- Grading of fields and putting up goal posts;
- Donation of sports apparel and equipment; and
- Handover of mobile libraries, books and library stationery.
The handover of library supplies is part of Transnet’s Library initiative which has to date, supplied mobile libraries and books to schools in over 6 provinces at a total investment of R4.5 million. King Zwelithini Primary School is one of the beneficiaries of the Library Initiative.
The adoption of the school will focus on creating long-term support by supplying the learners and teachers with vital educational resources. The library resources will also be used by nearby schools in the area.
Today’s event was led by His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini; MEC of Education, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi; COGTA MEC, Mr. Uhuru Moiloa and Transnet Board Member, Dr. Sydney Mufamadi. King Zwelithini Primary School was built in 1974 after His Majesty earmarked an empty piece of land in Soweto and planted a tree where the school was later built. The existence of the school is a result of the Majesty’s vision and passion for education and development especially in disadvantaged communities.
The request for the school to be adopted by Transnet was made by the Majesty himself during the school’s 40th anniversary in 2017.
King Goodwill Zwelithini has taken upon himself to make sure that this school is maintained and infrastructure is sustained through various sponsors. Currently the school has about 291 learners, 13 teachers, one administration officer, two kitchen staff members and two janitors. Majority of the learners are from disadvantaged backgrounds and require financial assistance.
Transnet’s future investment at the school will include:
- Building a digital staff room for the teachers;
- Revamping the school’s computer room to enable eLearning;
- Providing training for teachers, school management team and the School Governing Body;
- Upgrading of the school’s sport fields and providing sports apparel, equipment and;
- Development of sport programmes with a focus on soccer for males and female, athletics, netball and chess.
The company will also focus on developing and nurturing sports in the school by introducing the Transnet Sports Focus Unit. The unit aims to provide sports infrastructure at disadvantaged schools and mentoring coaches at identified schools. Speaking at the event, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini said: “We built the school 43 years ago to assist with the progression of the community of Emndeni.
I started this initiative because as a parent I am passionate about the education of all our children irrespective of their colour and the creed they follow. My biggest goal is to ensure that all our learners progress.” Commenting on this initiative, the Transnet Acting Group Chief Executive Tau Morwe said: “We aim to positively affect the lives and development of the learners by improving the quality of education at the King Zwelithini Primary School.
Our future plan for this school also includes ensuring that we sustain the school for future generations. Through this partnership we want to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders especially in areas where Transnet has operations.”