SIBASA – The Old Mutual Foundation was instrumental in bringing water to 805 learners and teachers of Phaswana Secondary School at Sibasa when they handed over a borehole to the school last Friday.

Mr Simon Mudau, Client Service Manager of the Old Mutual Foundation, said the donation of the borehole came after the company realized that there is shortage of water at the school and learners must take their own water to school.

Mudau said his company handed a cheque of R20 000 for the purchasing of borehole and its installation. “This will enable the 22 educators and 805 learners to have access to fresh water. The water will also be utilized at the ablution facilities, cleaning of the classrooms and the preparation of food,” Mudau said.

“The Old Mutual Foundation was set up in 1993 to help fund community-based projects that our staff members are involved in. About 5,5 million has been allocated to 350 community projects from 2001 to 2004. The Foundation spent over R1,3 million in Limpopo Province alone last year.”

The principal of the school, Mr Gerson Muthaphuli, said the school raised a whopping R85 000 over the past seven years to renovate its buildings. He further said that his school’s matriculation pass rate has rocketed from 48% in 1999 to 85,12% in 2004. He also attributed the achievements to parents and educators who have done everything from selling fruit and vegetables to organising school concerts to raise funds. “These funds have been used to fence the school, building a strong room, renovate the ablution facilities and paint the buildings,” he added.

On behalf of Mayor Thivhulawi Makumbane of the Thulamela Municipality, Councilor Sam Mashau said a sound partnership between the business world and education has a wide variety of benefits for the school, learners and educators.