E1.5m upgrade for Manyandzeni Primary School

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SHISELWENI – Next year’s enrolment is bound to increase at Manyandzeni Primary School following a face-lift to the value of E1.5 million.

Currently, the school has only 96 pupils as its previously dilapidated condition forced a majority of pupils to go to neighbouring South Africa (SA).

A partnership between MTN Foundation, Swazi Empowerment Limited and Microprojects has seen an upgrade in the construction of a block of four classrooms, teachers’ toilets and pupils’ toilets.

The project started in October last year, a few months after a delegation representing the three partners paid a visit to the school. Manyandzeni Primary Head teacher Jikile Ntshangase said most parents withdrew their children and enrolled them in SA schools. “We trust that the new look will attract the pupils who left the school because right now they are forced to walk for up to 15 kilometres and to cross the boundary into SA,” he said.

Shiselweni Regional Education Officer (REO) Siboniso Gumbi said he was shocked when he visited the school for the first time as it was the worst he had ever seen.

“It was my first time to see such an ugly school in Eswatini.

“I am happy that it has improved to what it is today”. Other speakers included MTN Foundation Busi Simelane and Mcebo Magagula from Macmillan, The new building was officially opened by Education and Training Minister Lady Mabuza, who was represented by Acting Principal Secretary Constance Vilakati.

The minister said she appreciated the contribution made by the corporates because it played a huge role in improving the education system of the country.

“The ministry will furnish the classrooms with 40 desks and 80 chairs,” she said.

Macmillan complimented the face-lift with a donation of books and stationery valued at E30 000, while Member of Parliament Mndzebele painted a whole block of classrooms and further pledged to paint the church.