LIMPOPO – THE days of hosting educational meetings under trees is a thing of the past as Sehlaku Secondary School was presented with a hall by Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM) last Friday.
The state-of-the-art hall was erected in less than a year. The handover ceremony was graced by dignitaries from the Limpopo department of education, local councillors, education circuit managers and the management of the mine.
In handing over the hall, the general manager of ECM, Emile Britz, reiterated that the mine wanted to invest in education.
“The learners are part of our neighbouring communities, it’s vital to invest in them as they are the future mine managers and engineers at ECM.
“We wish to see them excel in education and hold higher managerial positions,” he said.
Britz added that the hall cost the mine more than R6 million. “You can see that it is well equipped, we wanted to do something that will last for decades, not a once-off thing.”
The hall is equipped with air conditioners, plasma screens and a sound system and can accommodate thousands of people.
The mine previosly erected a school laboratory, mechanical engineering workshop and three additional classrooms at Sehlaku.
ECM also built classes at Mogolo Secondary School and handed toys and educational materials to Mangabane Primary School learners.
The principal, Jacob Moshwana thanked the mine for what it did for the school.
“I wish we could have an everlasting relationship with Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines.
“I thank the mine for its generosity, we will cherish this hall and take good care of it,” he said.
Moshwana encouraged the learners to pull up their socks and focus on their studies as mines like ECM were there to support them.
The school management confirmed that the official grand opening ceremony of the hall is scheduled for June 23.
