Major boost for rural school
KHIPHINKUNZI Primary School in Dukuduku near Mtubatuba received a major boost last Friday when Hollywood Bets, in collaboration with Richards Bay athlete Nontu Mgabhi, handed over five newly-built classrooms.
The project was the brainchild of Nontu, who in 2019 ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days to raise funds for, and awareness of, her goal.
The extra classrooms will solve overcrowding challenges at the school.
School Principal, Nonhlanhla Shongwe said they are excited about the completion of the construction of these classrooms, and they are looking forward to the benefit of having additional classrooms during these difficult times.
‘Now we will be able to split the learners, especially since our classrooms were overcrowded. I am also happy that social distancing will be practiced more effectively and that the learners will be able to learn in a much more conducive environment,’ she said.
Hollywood Bets heard about Nontu’s goal of building the five extra classrooms for the school, and immediately reached out to partner with her.
‘This initiative was important to us, in order to address overcrowding challenges at the school,’ said Hollywood Bets’ National Retail Operations Manager, Morgan Shandu.
‘We contributed R400 000 towards the building of the additional classrooms. We also donated school uniforms to the value of R50 000 as part of our back-to-school programme.
‘We are honoured to be part of this project.
We strongly support the growth and educational development of our youth. Our contribution to this community is aligned with our values. The determination and work that has been done by Mgabhi is incredible, and we are grateful that we get to stand alongside her.
‘Many schools, especially in rural areas, are faced with overcrowding, so it is heart-warming to know that this school will now have enough space for its pupils to learn,’ Shandu said.
Nontu was grateful that she was able to see her project through to the end, as she had faced a lot of challenges while raising the funds.
‘I am proud to be leaving a mark that will inspire the learners of this school’, she said.
‘Now I can say: Mission accomplished!’
I am proud to be leaving a mark that will inspire the learners of this school
- Nontu Mgabhi