Nkwambazi Primary School in Louwsburg proudly welcomed a visit from Food & Trees for Africa and Marcia’s Electrical recently.
Food & Trees for Africa was represented by Dave Walker; and Marcia’s Electrical by Lawrence, a dedicated electrician – who played a key role in restoring the school’s borehole water system.
The borehole had not been functional since 2018 after solar panels integral to the pump system were stolen by criminals. For six years and nine months, the school operated without running water from its underground source.
School principal Mr Xulu commented that, “Water is life; it is an importance that extends beyond human needs. Our garden, learners and the entire environment depends on it.”
The return of running water is a major victory for the school and its thriving Nkwambazi Garden Club, which promotes permaculture and provides organic produce to learners and their families. In celebration of the restored water system, 20 learners who have shown commitment to the school garden were each awarded a cabbage, free of charge.
Xulu further explained that, “Running water means so much for our school, as it will be used in basins, in the kitchen, to flush toilets and most importantly, to water our garden. The school continues to rely on underground water and rainwater harvesting as part of its sustainability efforts.”
Dave Walker repaired leaking water tanks on the school premises and pledged continuous support to the school, promising to return with more resources to expand the garden club and improve water infrastructure.
On behalf of the school management, governing body, educators, staff, parents and learners, heartfelt thanks go to Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) and FORTRESS for their generous support in helping restore dignity and life to the school through renewed access to water.
The passion and dedication shown throughout this journey have opened new doors for Xulu, who has been invited to speak at a national principals’ conference in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, where he will address more than 600 school leaders. His story of resilience and innovation at Nkwambazi Primary is now an inspiration to the nation.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.