Learners at Umfundlana Combined School receive stationery packs

Umfundlana Combined School Principal Bonakele Nyandeni alongside some of her learners during the handover of stationery packs.

The African adage that states: “It takes a village to raise a child” was expressed through Canyon Coal’s visit to deliver stationery packs for learners at Umfundlana Combined School in March. Umfudlana is the nearest school to the Gugulethu Colliery in Davel Ward 10, Mpumalanga. Gugulethu’s GM Jarmi Steyn commended the school for serving the community and producing excellent results despite their challenges. Steyn explained that the school had been experiencing stationery shortages when the team first visited in February. The company partnered with some of its contractors to assist.

“The mine is going to be around for a long time, and we would love to see some of the children grown up to join the mining industry one day,” she said. The stationery packs presented by the company include workbooks, pens, craft materials and educational posters for the classrooms amongst other items.

Umfundlana Principal Bonakele Nyandeni said having a mine in the area could expose the learners to career options in the sector and inspire them to work hard. “We are looking forward to a long relationship with Canyon Coal and the other stakeholders involved,” said Nyandeni. Msukaligwa Local Municipality Ward Councilor Ernest Ngovene thanked Canyon Coal for the contribution. “This is a response to the concern that was raised by the community during our meeting. We hope that the community and the mine can continue working together to support education because without education there is no future,” he added.