Northam Platinum invests in local education
Northam – Northam Platinum Mine is proud to have sponsored R760 000 towards relieving the burden of overcrowded classrooms for educators and learners at Chrome Mine Primary School, which is situated in the Smash Block community of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality.
Attended by the general manager of Northam Zondereinde, Danny Gonsalves; the official handover took place on 15 November where the learners, educators, members of the school governing body, community leaders and representatives from the circuit and district’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) thanked the mine.
The donation included two fully-furnished mobile classrooms, a printer and office space to accommodate four officials. The facilities were all installed with electricity.
“At times parents have been forced to take their children to schools in Northam because we simply do not have the capacity to take any more,” the principal Seilane said. “Our classes are overcrowded and Northam Platinum has shown today that it really cares about us. This donation is not only for the school but for the community at large.” His sentiments were echoed by DBE chief education specialist (curriculum) Molebogang Mogashoa who said: “The Department is not always able to meet the demands of the community, but when companies like Northam Platinum Mine step in, it makes a world of difference.” She urged the learners to take good care of the new facilities and the opportunities before them. “One of the six company values at Northam Zondereinde is social awareness,” says Zondereinde’s HR manager Ncedisa Maqoma. “In order for us to be a good corporate citizen, we need to be aware of the communities surrounding mine and endeavour to improve their lives, health and education.”
Maqoma thanked the community for its continued support and prayers to prosper and wished the learners well in their studies. She also thanked the Northam team for driving the company’s social labour plan and making the donation to Chrome Mine Primary School a success.