Caring couple brings science to rural pupils

WHAT started as a standard water sampling trip to a rural school has developed into a substantial centre that is inspiring hundreds of pupils to embark on a journey of scientific discovery.

The catalyst is a couple who, at great personal expense and sacrifice of time and energy, have made it happen.

And the efforts of Siphesihle and Sibusiso Bukhosini have been magnified by the involvement and contribution of Mhlathuze Water and other partners.

Today, Isibusiso Esihle Science Discovery Centre stands as a beacon of light in the Mbazwana region.

Sihle, a hydrologist by profession, made the decision just over three years ago to uplift the community in her sphere of expertise – the sciences.

With her business owner husband, they turned what was once a tavern into a building that has brought life to the impoverished area, and enlightenment to the pupils.

Assisted by various donors, the science centre opened its doors in February 2013.

The project gained momentum after Sihle did a presentation for the Mhlathuze Water Exco in 2014.

‘After hearing of the wonderful work Sihle had been doing, we jumped at the chance to assist a CSI project with a long-term investment opportunity,’ said Mhlathuze Water GM: Scientific Services, Swaswa Ntlhoro.

‘Among others we have supplied the centre with nine computers and a printer.’

Being away from town, Internet access was important. So too was transport, with rural roads and long distances proving extremely costly and difficult.

Step in Provincial Motors, who last week handed over the keys to a reconditioned vehicle that will remove a great burden from the Bukhosini family.

Mhlathuze Water chipped in R100 000 and staff at Provincial provided many hours of free labour, plus parts, to prepare and present a ‘good as new’ bakkie complete with lengthy guarantee.