The unwavering commitment of Galaxy Gold Reefs to make a difference in the community brought joy to the learners and teachers on Tuesday, June 3.

The Department of Education (DoE) in partnership with Galaxy Gold Reefs officially handed over four new classrooms. Galaxy also donated 120 chairs and desks to equip the learners.

According to the General Manager of Galaxy Gold Reefs, Ian Ashmole, the school was challenged with overcrowding and they wanted to create a more conducive environment for learners to have quality education and for teaching to thrive.

“This was identified as part of our corporate social investment programme plan as a need for the Umjindini community. We decided to focus mainly on education products because this is the future of our children. We consulted with the DoE and the local community and that is when we decided to start with this school, because there was a need for additional classrooms to avoid overcrowding,” Ashmole said.

The Social and Labour plan was approved by the Department of Mineral Resources last year and Galaxy put out the tender in July 2024.

Construction started in October and the classes started operating in March this year.

“The new classrooms are fully furnished and will provide much-needed space to support academic excellence and learning wellbeing,” Ashmole said.

The MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, expressed her gratitude towards Galaxy Gold Reefs.

“This act of patriotism stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when public and private sectors unite for the greater good. We share a common view with the company that education is a basic human right and the only vehicle to address all impediments,” Dlamini said.

She donated 50 pairs of shoes to the learners at the school as a way of giving back to the community. German Khunga, the principal of the school, happily received the handed-over furniture and classrooms.