In honour of International Mandela Day, the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality in collaboration with the department of Agriculture ,rural development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) visited Hloniphani Primary School to give back to the community under the spirit of the 67 minutes campaign.
The municipality led by Cllr Mbuso Magubane, donated ten 20-litre buckets of paint to assist the school in repainting its classrooms.
This initiative is part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to improving learning environments, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. As a further gesture of continued support, the municipality also ensures that the school has access to water through regular supply from the Mpuluzi Water Treatment Works.
Although Hloniphani Primary School receives financial support from the government, it remains insufficient to meet all its needs.
The school, which has an enrolment of 133 learners across 16 classrooms, approached the office of the Executive Mayor for assistance. The mayor responded positively, fulfilling a promise made during his recent State of the Municipality Address, where he committed to supporting struggling schools within the municipality.
In addition to the painting donation, DARDLEA provided the school with seedlings and a starter pack consisting of a wheelbarrow and essential gardening tools. This is part of the department’s “One Home, One Garden” programme, aimed at encouraging backyard farming to fight food insecurity and poverty. Two trees were also planted on the school premises to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
The Mandela Day activities continued in Tjakastad, Embetjeka, where DARDLEA donated fencing materials to local farmers. The fencing will help protect crops from damage caused by roaming livestock, boosting productivity and improving food security in the area.
These efforts highlight the municipality and DARDLEA’s shared commitment to sustainable rural development, education, and food security. The Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality remains steadfast in its mission to uplift communities and build a better future through collaborative partnerships.
