A special Sibanye Appreciation Day took place at Mbulelo Primary School in Khutsong on Friday, April 24.

According to the Deputy Principal, Mr Paul Msutu, the school felt the need to host an Appreciation Day in order to express their heartfelt gratitude towards their sponsor and partner, Sibanye Stillwater. During his speech, he mentioned that the company has been their backbone since 2024 and has contributed significantly to the school by building a sports combo court where learners can host soccer, netball, volleyball, tennis, and basketball games.

They also donated 50 laptops as a way of upgrading the school’s digital space in order to find new ways of teaching, improve the level of education, and ensure that learners are developed and able to compete in the digital world.

On the day, the school invited Sibanye Stillwater representative Kefilwe Mofokeng. “We also invited other schools such as Merafong Primary School, Tsitsiboga, and Nayaboswa,” he expressed.

There were several speeches, as well as entertainment performances by Mbulelo learners, including a drum drilling group, a choir, a poet, and a speech that was heart-warming to the guests.

A soccer match was scheduled but was interrupted by the weather and postponed until further notice, where different schools will participate in the Sibanye Appreciation Tournament.

The Deputy Principal highlighted during his speech that the day was a celebration of transformation, partnership, and restored hope. He added that there are moments in life that define a school’s future, and moments when dreams that once felt distant suddenly become real.

“Your generosity has not only changed our school, but it has changed lives,” he expressed emotionally.

He further explained that he reached out to the company on January 18 2024, requesting an opportunity to be heard. He received a response a few days later, on January 24 2024. After following the necessary processes, the transformation began on Monday, September 2, when the construction of the combo court started.

On 26 November of the same year, there was an official launch of the court and the handover of the 50 laptops.

“That day was not just a ceremony, but a turning point in the history of Mbulelo Primary School,” he concluded.