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Shaking hands after the official opening are, from left to right, Mahlodi Rasefate (learner), the CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines, Phillip Barton, Dineo Baloyi and Dominic Phahlani.

New R12m hostel for Ratanang School

 

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi, official opened the Ratanang Special School’s hostel facilities worth R12 million in Senwabarwana last Friday.

The project is a joint venture between De Beers mining group, as part of the mine’s Social Labour Plan, and the Limpopo Department of Education. According to the Department of Education MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe, De Beers signed a memorandum with the department in which they outlined their partnership in providing infrastructure for the schools in areas located within the De Beers Venetia Mine's labour-sending areas.

“A storm destroyed the hostel part of the school and therefore De Beers contributed to the renovation thereof. (The project) has since been completed, hence the handing over,” Kgetjepe said. “The hostel facilities at the school will accommodate up to 320 learners,” he said.

Ramatlhodi described the donation as yet another example of De Beer’s commitment to the needs of communities who require material assistance. He added that his government was committed to a broad programme to develop the capacity of disabled people. The school is the only one in the Senwabarwana area that caters for mentally disabled children around the area.

“It is high time that all concerned parties, parents, communities, public servants and politicians join hands to ensure that children with disabilities have the same opportunities as other children,” said Ramatlhodi.

The CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines, Mr Phillip Barton, said that they had partnered with the Department of Education to build hostels at an estimated cost of R12 million. He said that all parents had a responsibility to look after their children, irrespective of whether they were born in or out of wedlock. “We must send a clear message out there that people with disabilities are as human and productive as everyone else in society. Disabled people, like all members of society, have the right to human rights and dignity.”

The principal of the school, Mr Tefu Leseba, expressed his appreciation for what De Beers did for the special schools. He indicated that a shortage of classrooms was the main challenge that they were facing, as they had only four classrooms catering for a large number of learners. He urged parents to stop abusing these people and to stop using them as sources of income. He said that the disability grants should be used in the way they were intended to be used.

Parents of the school voiced their opinions regarding the teachers at the school. “The teachers are not just teachers, but also social workers at the same time. They are really doing an excellent job. Gone are those days when people used to chain their children at home because they have disabilities. Let them come and learn with others, because they have potential like all other children.”

News - Date: 06 July 2015

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The CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines, Phillip Barton, inside one of the rooms with one of the special school's learners.

Kgoshi Malebo, Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi, the mayor of Blouberg Municipality, Cllr Sammy Selamolela, and the MEC for Education, Ishmael Kgetjepe.

Special schools' learners entertained guest by performing thechikamba.

 

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Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]

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