Duduza – The South African Local Government Association (Salga) visited Mmuso Primary School to walk in the footsteps of former president Nelson Mandela on August 22.

The association created an enabling environment for children, particularly in health, education, and promoting literacy in society. Salga refurbished the school by painting classrooms and distributing essential hygiene items to the learners.

These included sanitary towels, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other basic necessities to promote health and well-being.
Stakeholder Rand Water taught the learners how to save water and the importance of using it wisely.

“We have also partnered with the Ekurhuleni West College, which produces many artisans. Two electricians addressed minor electrical faults in the classrooms to ensure the learners’ safety.

“Other artisans repaired furniture and helped with the painting,” explained Salga senior advisor in economic development, Gaethijwe Letlhaku.

This project was a collaboration between Salga, Rand Water, and the Ekurhuleni West College. The school was chosen after the municipality identified it as a school in need.

“Every year, we go to different regions to support schools because resources are limited. The municipality helps us identify schools needing urgent support. This school was selected because classrooms needed painting and repairs, and because of its location in a community that also stands to benefit from this initiative.

“We believe it is important not to overlook schools that struggle. Government resources are limited, but when we work together as partners and communities, we can achieve much more,” added Letlhaku.

The initiative was part of Salga’s Mandela Legacy Project and its broader We Care programme. The former honours Nelson Mandela by giving back through time, resources, and skills.

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“Although Mandela Day is in July, we chose to hold the programme now to ensure more partners could participate. Our colleagues brought gifts for the learners so that when they go home, they take with them not only what they have learnt in class but also lessons about caring for themselves, their environment, and their community.

“The We Care programme is a broader initiative that runs throughout the year. It involves donating food, clothing, and other essential items to communities in need,” he said, adding that it also supports child-headed households by providing monthly food parcels and working with development partners to ensure children can focus on school instead of worrying about daily survival.

“Through these programmes, we want children to know that there are people who care for them, even if they are sitting in offices far away. We want them to feel supported and encouraged to pursue their education because they are the future leaders of our nation,” said Letlhaku.

“The Mandela Legacy Project is more than just a refurbishment initiative. It is about restoring dignity, building safe spaces for learning, and showing children that they are not forgotten.”

School principal Titi Nhlapo thanked Salga, Rand Water, and the Ekurhuleni West College for their generosity and commitment to improving their learning environment. She said the school had insufficient resources for repairs and was old.

“Our school recently turned 50 and needs proper renovations in all angles. The ceilings also need extra care,” she said.

She mentioned that Salga’s initiative had brought much-needed infrastructure upgrades to the school and uplifted the spirits of the learners and staff.

“The hygiene packs and safety repairs show an understanding of the daily challenges many of our children face. More than just material support, this initiative has sent a powerful message to our learners that they are seen, valued, and supported.

“On behalf of Mmuso Primary, I thank all the stakeholders involved for walking this journey with us. Your efforts have planted seeds of hope that will grow far beyond the classroom walls,” she expressed.

The school had a limited budget for repairs, so the initiative came at the right time. Nhlapo concluded by mentioning that the school needs sponsorship to renovate infrastructure areas.

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