Sizwe Secondary receive water puricifation system
"I am happy to see leaners health and safety being prioritise by all involved stakeholders," said Guerreiro.
Sizwe Secondary School received upgrades in a project led by Reckitt.
Reckitt and Kusini Water handed over a food garden and a newly installed water purification system to the school. They also painted several classrooms as part of Mandela Day activities.
School principal David Khosa welcomed the handover, saying that Reckitt had brought various services to the school, including painting classrooms.
He said the newly established garden would assist the school’s feeding scheme.
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“The water system will help us access cleaner water. We have security personnel to safeguard the water purification system and the garden,” said Khosa.
Acting chief director for health programmes at the Gauteng Department of Health, Refilwe Mokgetle Motsamai, praised the project for its innovative solutions to long-standing challenges.
She said the water had always been safe, dismissing long-standing rumours of sewage overflowing into the schoolyard.
“Even though the sewage is not connected to the school’s water system, we’ve installed a purification system. This will help the school access cleaner water, even when the taps run dry. The water can be used for the food garden and for drinking purposes.
“As part of the programme, our duty was to teach learners how to wash their hands safely. In partnership with Dettol, we demonstrated proper handwashing with soap. The aim is to promote hygiene and stop the spread of diseases, bacteria, and germs through hand contact.
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“We also want to bring health services to the sorrounding community, especially the informal settlement next to the school. Once everything is finalised we’d like to bring our mobile services to the residents,” said Motsamai.
Head of strategy at Kusini Water, Zakheni Ngubo, explained the mechanics behind the water purification system. The system includes a tank, carbon vessel, and filtration system, among other components.
Kusini has partnered with various stakeholders, targeting communities that struggle to access clean water.
“We install filtration systems to provide cleaner water to the people. We work with 100 schools and clinics,” said Ngubo.
“Through our water champions initiative, we empower communities. It is a hybrid skills development project aimed at South African youth, providing technical training to young individuals.
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“It aims to improve economic livelihoods by training them to run and own water kiosks. They are also trained in sales, marketing, and water technology to effectively manage these kiosks.
“In Ekurhuleni, about 16 champions will support the school. They form a value chain that supports one another.
“We want to expand the school’s garden, which was started alongside Reckitt on Mandela Day. The goal is to empower learners with agricultural skills and promote small-scale farming.
“The idea is to install a borehole at the school, but it has been delayed due to ongoing sewage problems. We’re concerned the groundwater could become contaminated,” said Ngubo.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro welcomed the project at Sizwe Secondary School, adding he was impressed by the systems installed.
“These are services we want to see brought to our people, schools, clinics, and communities,” said Guerreiro.
“There was a huge hygiene concern. Health and safety needs to be up to standard.
“It’s been a fantastic day. This project will boost the morale of the learners and staff, knowing that they don’t have to worry about access to clean water. I encourage other government departments to offer more services to the school to improve the situation.”
