Page 12 - Ubuntu Repro Upload

By: Mthubanzi Mniki

The solid relationship between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Kraft Foods – formerly known as Cadbury – reached new milestones of success when fve schools in the city benefted from the company’s classroom renovation initiative.

Kraft Foods handed over renovated classrooms to fve schools in the city, namely Daniels Primary in Zwide, Fontein Primary in Gelvandale, De Vos Malan Primary in Schauderville, Cingani High and Fumisukoma Primary in Motherwell.

The project dates back to the time of former Executive Mayor, Nondumiso Maphazi, who noticed the plight of the schools in the townships for an upgrade of facilities. At this point, Cadbudy’s pitched in to assist and partnered with the Department Of Education. The objective of the partnership was to identify schools across the city in a bad state of repair and with a lack of resources.

When Executive Mayor, Cllr Zanoxolo Wayile, took offce, he continued with the momentum of the project. Mayor Wayile said that it was of great importance for the city to partner with companies such as Kraft

Foods and the partnership needed to be maintained.

Kraft Foods dedicated about R3 million toward the renovation of the fve schools and assisted in providing learning equipment.

The renovations at schools include fxing bathrooms, renovating classrooms, fencing the schoolyard, constructing additional classrooms, fxing electrical problems and installing computer labs.

They even went the extra mile to improve the security systems at the schools by installing new alarm systems, and ftting new window panes and frames.

The schoolchildren were excited about the prospect of learning in new and upgraded classrooms.

Fumisukoma Primary School learner, Nosikho Nkutu, said they were grateful to Kraft Foods for their assistance.

“Like their slogan says, they have made everyday of our schooling a delicious day! We are so proud of our school now. I hope that other schools who are also in need can also beneft,” said Nkutu.

Mayor Wayile said he was grateful to Kraft Foods for keeping their promise to improve the lives of children.

“This is one of the most important partnerships we have with a private sector company. As a city, we are passionate about quality education that will ultimately produce tomorrow’s engineers and scientists,” said Mayor Wayile.

Since 2008, Kraft Foods has invested R3 million into four primary schools in the city. They have refurbished and renovated classrooms and libraries, and provided bursaries to needy students.

To celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday on 16 July last year, Kraft Foods decided to give back in the good spirit of Madiba by donating R67 000 to Langa and KwaNobuhle Self-Help Exchange (SHARE) non-government organisation.

“Your enabling contribution to education is deserving of our recognition and we salute your outstanding example. As government, we cannot do it alone, and we need such strategic partnerships to assist us in our plight to provide quality education,” said Mayor Wayile.

10 UBUNTU COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MARCH I APRIL 2012