Safety and sports kits for local schools

FIRE safety is a concern for schools in sugar cane areas as children risk getting burnt if unaware of the dangers during harvest season.

To address this, Obizo Estate Management in partnership with the Tongaat Hulett Socio-Economic Development (SED) team embarked on a safety campaign at local primary schools.

Obizo sugar cane farm manager, Makhosi Cebekhulu, said she conducted a risk assessment which highlighted the fire risk as children often sit in the sugar cane fields.

“It all began when I realised children come to steal sugar cane, but during harvest time we burn it, so I thought, what if one day they hide and end up being burnt? I started visiting all kwaCebekhulu schools focusing on primary schools,” said Cebekhulu.

During the visits, she let off the 'burning siren' so schoolchildren were familiar with the alarm.

While carrying out these campaigns, Cebekhulu said principals asked if sports kits could be donated to the schools.

Local sugar giant Tongaat Hulett immediately took the opportunity to give back to the community.

“I spoke to Snethemba Kunene, Tongaat Hulett SED manager, as her department accompanied me throughout the campaign, and she promised the kids she would fulfil their wish,” added Cebekhulu.

Three primary schools in the Obizo community received sports equipment including soccer and netball kits, and balls for various teams.

“This support has enabled the identified schools to accelerate their participation in school tournaments and has provided much-needed encouragement towards fulfilling their full potential on and off the field,” she concluded.