Exxaro Grootegeluk Coal mine devoted 67 minutes to commemorate the annual Nelson Mandela Day at Kitty Primary School, Shongoane on Thursday, 18 July 2019. The event, which was led by the Community Development team was attended by, Dept of Social Development officials, parents, Exxaro union members, and staff.
Established in 1899, this quintile 1 school, serves 160 learners and has ten fulltime staff members.
Giving back was the order of the day as those in attendance rolled up their sleeves plant vegetable seedlings and fruit trees at Kitty Primary School in Lephalale. Further to this, through Exxaro’s donations committee, fifty children identified the Social Worker Programme conducted by the Dept Social Development, from Kitty primary and Maeteletja Primary School were given new school uniform and care packs.
“As in enshrined I section 28 of our constitution every child, has a right to basic nutrition, and to be protected from degradation, amongst others, and so it when the need was highlighted to the business, to heed the call was a certainty” says Mr Ronaldt Mafoko, General Manager Exxaro Grootegeluk.
National Union of Mineworkers Shopsteward, William Shiko, who was in attendance, said that like Mandela, we all have a responsibility to stand up and help improve the lives of our children.
“Mandela was a lawyer, he was passionate about education, he knew that all children should be protected. He spent many years in prison fighting for the rights of all South Africans . Today South Africa has achieved the freedom he fought for and children today all have the right to education Mandela believed in uplifting the community. He knew it was the responsibility of everyone to assist those in need. And today Exxaro lends a hand in response to his call,” Shiko said.
All the children, teachers and parents were treated to a wholesome lunch as well as some gifts.
“We are happy and proud to celebrate this important occasion with you. As long as we still have and show the spirit of Mandela, of caring about one another, we will guarantee a great future for our country,” said Delani Ngcobo, Stakeholder Affairs, Exxaro Grootegeluk