LEARNERS and teachers at Alf Makaleng Primary School in Seshego were overjoyed when Fleet Africa Management presented the school with a new administration block and library last Tuesday.
Fleet Africa conducted a needs analysis in townships around Polokwane to see where it could be of assistance and Alf Makaleng was chosen through this process.
According to Bruce McDonald-Watson, chief financial officer of Fleet Africa, the project was symbolic of the company’s commitment to the development of educational facilities in Polokwane and surrounding areas.
“The CEO was moved when he heard how the school had begun to build the administration block with their own money. This can do attitude of the school governing body and parents impressed him. We are committed to support the Polokwane Municipality to ensure children in townships and rural areas in the municipality have access to world-class facilities that are conducive to creating an excellent learning environment,” said McDonald-Watson.
He said Fleet Africa was also committed to help develop children who would one day provide solutions for challenges in the science, technology, medical, economic, engineering and banking fields. It is our responsibility as a community to join hands in developing the potential of these precious gemstones that we have been entrusted with.
“It is only when the children of this city have access to quality educational facilities including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, media centres, sports fields and play grounds that they will excel in both their academics and sport,” he said.
Attending the ceremony on behalf of the Polokwane mayor, Sinah Tjale said the development of children could be achieved by ensuring they had proper educational facilities.
“We can only make a better life for all South Africans if our young people learn the skills and get the training that we need to make our economy grow and make our democracy work. We recognise that government cannot overcome challenges by ourselves; hence we seek partnerships with the private sector to assist us,” said Tjale.
Tjale told CV that the administration block and library were an investment to the community and that community should protect the facilities.
“The municipality is proud to be part of the handing over and we pass our word of gratitude to Fleet Africa for agreeing to implement this project that will contribute immensely towards better development of the children and their teachers alike.”
Principal Makwena Mashala thanked Fleet Africa Management for the new administration block and library.
“We urge teachers and learners to commit themselves to education and to ensure discipline in schools. We also urge parents and communities to participate in the education of their children through school governing bodies. This will help turn our children into the engineers and scientists, the teachers and lawyers, and the skilled worker and business leader our country needs,” said Mashala.
