TIKZN making a difference

2023-05-22 14:28:21

The principal of a rural school has thanked Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal for "making a difference."

Principal Siyabonga Mkhize, expressed his gratitude following the handover of a R39 500 donation to Kwanokusho Combined Primary School, for the completion of paving in the courtyard. "Every time there is rain, we end up with mud in the classrooms and lost precious teaching and learning time shovelling it out," said Mkhize.

The school, located in rural Ndwedwe north of Durban, has learners from grades R to 7.

TIKZN had previously donated to Kwanokusho. "You know when you are asking, you are always afraid to ask for too much. We underestimated the amount it would take to pave the whole courtyard. I made sure to prepare and send you a full report with receipts so that when I came back to ask again to help us finish the paving, you would know we spent the money wisely," said Mkhize.

Dumisile Nene, Executive Manager: Corporate Services presented the donation on behalf of the CEO and CSI Committee Chairperson Neville Matjie. She was accompanied by fellow executives Thulisile Galelekile, Executive Manager: Strategy and Operations, and Manqoba Mbatha, General Manager: Marketing and Communications.



Nene said TIKZN was proud to be able to assist the school. Although TIKZN's mandate was to support businesses and entrepreneurs, the former existed within communities and the latter came from communities, so it was only right that the organisation gives back. She urged the learners to apply themselves to their schoolwork to achieve academic success. But they should work hard not only so that they are employable but to be able to manage their own businesses. "We all have different talents, let's harness and hone these as we are growing and turn them into businesses when we get older. Always put education first so that your talent becomes a viable business," said Nene. She encouraged the learners to use the pen as their weapon to change the world.

"We are here to fulfil our commitment to this school to improve the environment for the learners. With this donation you can complete the paving of the school courtyard so that the children can play safely and not worry about slipping when it has rained or breathing in dust when it is dry," added Nene.

TIKZN had also donated chairs to the school used in the staff room.