Media releases

24 November 2006 - Zululand Observer (Friday) Page 48

New classrooms for learners

TWO new classrooms were officially opened at the Ntabeni Primary School in eSikhawini last Wednesday.
Funded by Richards Bay Coal Terminal, the classrooms form part of the fifth phase of construction at the school.
At the ceremony which was attended by representatives of the Chamber of Business, Ntabeni Governing Body Department of Education and Richards Bay Coal Terminal Kuseni Dlamini - Executive Chairman Richards Bay Coal Terminal said: “Richards Bay Coal Terminal is excited to be a part of the Ntabeni School and proud of the developments the school has undergone over the past five years. The success of the school is based entirely on the school’s teachers, governing body, communities and learners working together.”
Principal of Ntabeni Primary School - Thandi Magubane thanked RBCT for their contributions and added that the school had been introduced to the Wildlife Conservation Trust, which had sponsored toys as well as the Trees for Life project.
The project provides seed for learners to nurture and when they are grown, the Trust buys the trees back from students.
The children work hard as the money they receive is used to provide for their families.
School history Ntabeni Primary School was started by Principal Magubane to cater for the many children who had to walk far distances for their education.
She borrowed money from a nearby primary school and with the help of a teaching assistant started classes with 55 children.
The school consisted of one dilapidated prefab building without any basic equipment or teaching aids.
In January 2001, 153 students were enrolled in Grades one and two, and as there were not enough classrooms at that time, some students had to be taught under the trees which was difficult on hot and rainy days.
Magubane wrote a letter to RBCT in 2001 and following a visit by the coal terminals CSI (Corporate Social Investment) committee, two classrooms (which had reached roof height) were completed by the end of the year.
The school has forged ahead over the years and now possesses 10 classrooms, an administration building, library, classroom furniture and a concrete courtyard.