SPONSORED | Northam and One Capital add big smiles to Grade Rs and 1s
The companies donated a playground to Thaba Chweu Boarding School as they know that play is essential for learning.
Northam Platinum Holdings (NPH), together with One Capital, recently went all out to donate a complete playground for the grade R and one learners of the Thaba Chweu Boarding School. This special occasion took place on May 27 at the school hall.
Several delegates of the Executive Committee (EXCO) of Northam, including Paul Dunne (CEO), Alet Coetzee (CFO), Dali Duma (Sustainability Executive), Wonderboy Kekana (Operations Executive), Emily Kgosi (Board Member); with Booysendal management, Otto van Heerden (North Mine GM), Zacharia Tsotetsi (South Mine GM), Ziningi Shezi (HR Manager), and One Capital Senior management, including Cobus Human (CEO) attended the handover. Other representatives included teachers at the boarding school, members of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the Communal Property Association of the Pakaneng, Phetla and Phuthanang communities and emissaries of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM).
Thaba Chweu Boarding School was established in 2020 on Beetgekraal Farm outside Lydenburg to accommodate learners living outside the borders of mainstream schools, so that the education of these children would not be hampered on account of transportation issues.
The school currently accommodates about 1 099 learners from within the TCLM borders.
The handover was officially made during a special ceremony last Tuesday. Northam Platinum Holdings and One Capital saw the need for a playground at the school and the necessity that play forms part of learning in every educational environment of education.
At the ceremony, Operations Executive, Wonderboy Kekana reinforced Northam and One Capital’s dedication to community development, particularly in education, and emphasised the partnership’s shared vision for the learners’ growth. “We are here because we care deeply about you,” he said. “This playground is more than just equipment – it’s a space where children can thrive, develop and create lasting memories.”
During the handover, it was made clear that this mine is passionate about the education of children and that the playground initiative acts as a means to an end in ensuring the development of younger learners in all aspects.
While delegates addressed the grade R and one learners during the ceremony, attendees were treated to a special performance by the school’s choir.
The ceremony’s highlight was the ribbon-cutting, led by CEO’s for NPH, Paul Dunne and One Capital, Cobus Human and Chief Director, Elvis Siwela from the Office of the MEC in Mpumalanga. The moment was met with cheers as learners eagerly rushed to explore the vibrant new playground, which includes swings, merry-go-round, seesaw and climbing frame with a slide. The learners also received soccer balls and nets to add even more happiness to the already excited little learners. The mine also provided snacks and cool drinks for them.
The principal of the school, Gabriel Montle, thanked the mine for its contribution and the fact that it chose to support the school in this venture.
