The state-of-the-art facility will provide essential resources and learning space for approximately 400 learners from surrounding communities. This project is a part of Mafube Coal’s ongoing corporate social investment (CSI) efforts aimed at improving educational infrastructure and supporting local communities.
Mogodi Mahapa, mining manager at Mafube Coal, said, “This library will play a crucial role in fostering informed learners in rural Mpumalanga, promoting equal access to information. This reflects our commitment to improving access to quality education and skills development in local communities by improving educational infrastructure. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that the library will have on the learners and the broader community.”
The school, situated on the Beestepan Broedery farm, caters to learners from Wards 7 and 9 of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. The new library will provide essential resources for research, assignment completion, and various learning activities, overcoming the area’s accessibility.
Head of Transformation, Diversity, and Inclusion at Barloworld, Lesego Ramatlhape, said: “We are proud to have partnered with Mafube Coal in developing this fully equipped facility that will help learners of this community with resources and provide study spaces, promoting literacy and a culture of social cohesion.”
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Cathy Dlamini, MEC of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that marks the handover of the library. “Investing in education infrastructure in communities such as this one is highly crucial. The library will provide our learners with essential resources that will help them excel academically and enable them to achieve success and build a brighter future for themselves.”
“Libraries remain essential in our schools and communities, even in the digital age. They provide crucial support for learning and offer free educational resources, particularly for areas with network access challenges. This ensures every learner has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the lack of access to Wi-Fi facilities or financial resources,” she said.
Councillor Mhlonishwa Masilela, Executive Mayor of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, highlighted the importance of the new facility for the learners in the Beestepan Broedery farm community. “The library is a much-needed addition to our community. This project is an excellent example of how the private sector and local government can work together to make a lasting impact in our communities, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited,” he said.
Local company Rospa Trading was commissioned to execute the project, which created 25 jobs, including seven full-time positions, three of which were held by women.
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