TSHIFUDI –The Transnet Foundation, a division of Transnet Limited, unveiled a new extended building, valued at R3 million, at Tshifudi Primary School on Tuesday.

Tshifudi Primary School was first established as a church school in 1928, by Berlin Missionaries, and was headed by the late Lutheran church minister, Mr Takalani Madima. In 1941, it became a government institution with only one educator. The problem of a shortage of classrooms was identified some years ago, as learners were being taught under a tree.

Transnet built 12 additional classrooms, a computer center, toilets and an admin block, which will ensure that the 777 registered students and 22 educators at the school now function in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching.

Transnet Executive Director, Riah Phiyega, said that the project is part of the company's efforts to provide a better life for all South Africans. "As a state-owned utility, Transnet has an obligation to participate in the development and reconstruction of our country," she says. "Over the past 10 years, we have made a meaningful contribution by making a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans," Phiyega said. She said that Tshifudi Primary School is part of this effort as we celebrate ten years of democracy and delivery to the people.

Transnet foundation head, Eunice Maluleke, says local contractors, project managers and labourers from the community were used in the school's renovation.

"Using Transnet's affirmative procurement policies, this project was set aside for the benefit of local, previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs and local contractors."

Appointments of all contractors were done according to this empowerment policy and local labour used thus resulting in the creation of temporary employment in the immediate area, along with the transference of skills," she said.

According to Phiyega this initiative is also in the best interest of the community as facilities such as the media center are going to be open for community use as well.

"We are truly indebted to Transnet Foundation for this magnificent act that justly reflects the African spirit of Ubuntu (humanity)."

"Tshifudi has been conducting classes in unfavorable conditions for 40 years now and we have always dreamed of proper classrooms, let alone a world-class media center," she said.

On behalf of Education MEC Joyce Mashamba, Safety and Security MEC Mrs Dikeledi Magadze said that children in the rural area should receive best education and facilities. Magadze praised the partnership between the government and public sectors. "It is the responsibility of the community to see to it that the school is safe from any vandalizing," said Magadze.

The Transnet Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Education and other companies, such as BHP Billiton and the Zenex Foundation, has facilitated the construction of over 600 classrooms, media centers, administration blocks and ablution facilities across the country.