R1m facelift for primary school

Cindy Liebenberg
MZINGISI Primary in KwaNomzamu has had a facelift through the assistance of Petro SA and Woodlands Dairy.
A generous R1.3- million donation from Petro SA has been put to good use and paid for two additional classrooms to accommodate the Grade Rs and as vice-principal Thembi Vumazonke puts it: "The change was used to build a much-needed administration block.”
Woodlands's donation made it possible to upgrade all the ablution blocks.
"We can now keep the bathrooms spanking clean and the children can make use of them in a dignified manner,” said Vumazonke.
Another project that has added to the general improvement of the school is the volunteers.
Vumazonke said they have some 25 unemployed volunteers who live in Old KwaNomzamu –Ward 15 – who clean the school on a daily basis. The men in the group have also started a vegetable garden and are vigorously cleaning up the grounds.
They all agree that they would rather be involved in a project that sees the children happy and educated than sitting at home feeling useless and of no use.
Vumazonke said their feeding scheme is also on track as they are now able to feed all 1010 pupils daily.
"The children are fed one very good balanced meal a day, cooked here on our premises by a team of cooks,” said Vumazonke.
The food for the feeding scheme comes from the Provincial Department of Education and despite other schools experiencing endless problems with the department Vumazonke said they have no problems as all 27 of their teachers are paid and the school receives its food and other supplies regularly.
The volunteers indicated that they will be applying to the municipality for assistance with black bags and gloves as they also clean the local library and clinic.
Vumazonke also expressed her sadness at not being able to give the volunteers a stipend or even a morsel of bread for all their hard work.
Any one that can help is asked to call the school on (042)291-1022.