Two Benoni primary schools are among five Ekurhuleni schools to benefit from the Woolies Water Fund.

Learners at Benoni Primary in Actonville and Ekukhanyeni Primary in Wattville, along with their peers at Tsakane’s Lebone Primary, Matshediso special needs school and Michael Zulu Primary now have improved access to safe, reliable water thanks to the installation of new water infrastructure.

The new systems, which include rainwater harvesting tanks, pumps, filtration systems, taps and handwashing stations, will help ensure that both schools’ learners, educators and staff have access to a more sustainable water supply for drinking, hygiene, sanitation and daily school activities.

Founded in 2018, the fund has invested R12.8m in improving water infrastructure at 155 schools across South Africa, thus helping communities build greater resilience in the face of growing water challenges.

For many schools in water-scarce areas, water shortages can disrupt learning and compromise the learners’ health and well-being. Basic activities such as handwashing, sanitation, meal preparation and classroom learning often become difficult when access to reliable water is disrupted.

Through this investment, these seven schools are now better equipped to manage periods of water scarcity and provide learners with a healthier and safer learning environment.

The principals agreed that the new infrastructure would make a meaningful difference to learners, teachers and the broader school community.

“The rainwater harvesting and handwashing system has made a real difference at Benoni Primary School,” said principal Premladevi Bennett.

“Our learners use it every day and it is giving them practical, hands-on lessons about water conservation, while easing pressure on the school’s daily needs. We are deeply grateful to Woolworths for investing in our school’s future.”

The Woolies Water Fund is supported by the Woolworths beverage department and funded through its MyDifference loyalty programme.

The fund aims to improve access to safe water and sanitation in schools while encouraging long-term water conservation.

To date 2 000 customers have selected the Woolies Water Fund as their MyDifference beneficiary, enabling the retail giant to contribute towards future water resilience projects.

The schools were selected based on their need for improved water security, status as a no-fee public school serving a vulnerable community, and their commitment to maintaining the infrastructure to benefit learners for years to come.

With El Niño set to test water supplies this summer and many schools across South Africa still facing unreliable access to water, the Woolies Water Fund remains committed to expanding its reach. Its goal is to help build more resilient schools where every child has access to the water they need to learn, grow and thrive.

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