Celebrating 140 years, Maidstone Primary gifted with new classrooms

An early birthday present arrived at Maidstone Primary School last Friday, a new classroom block worth more than R3-million.

On the cusp of celebrating the Tongaat school’s 140th birthday Sibaya Community Trust stepped in with this generous gift.

The three new classrooms, with two ablution facilities, can accommodate more than 100 children and replaced six old pre-fabricated classrooms. 

Delighted principal of the 323-strong school, Kandy Pillay, said extra classrooms were needed to realise the school’s governing body’s vision of expanding the school from a single class per grade to a double class per grade school. 

“Thanks to Mr Vivian Reddy and Sibaya Community Trust’s generosity we can now give more families the opportunity to access the high standard of education which we offer at Maidstone Primary School,” Pillay said.

The Trust also donated 320 copies of ‘My First IsiZulu Picture Dictionary’ to the school, and 10 other local schools, helping children to learn the language in a fun and interactive way. 

Basic Education MEC, Kwezi Mshengu, thanked the Trust for investing in education.

“Mr Reddy has always been prepared to help where he can and I must say that he who invests in education is investing in the future of this country. Your actions will hold a spot for you in the history of this country,” said Mshengu, while urging the school to ensure the classrooms were treated with care to persevere them for future generations.

Trust chairman, Vivian Reddy, said it was important for the private sector to work with government to make South Africa a better, stronger country.

“I strongly believe that if you want to see change in your community, be involved in making the change that you desire. If you are just sitting and complaining without action, there will be no change,” said Reddy.