The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mr. Enver Surty, accompanied Awqaf SA on a visit to Steenbok and Ekwenzeni Primary Schools in Mpumalanga to officiate at the hand-over of boreholes to six schools in the area.
The primary schools, Steenbok, Ekwenzeni, Sizimisele, Mbangwane and Ikwekezi, belong to municipalities, which face challenges in supplying running water to the schools. These primary schools, situated close to the Mozambique and Swaziland borders in north-east Mpumalanga, had to end their days as early as 10 am due to potential health threats to learners.
Some of the schools, situated in poor areas, even had to buy water, which stretched their already limited resources.
The borehole project, commissioned by Awqaf SA and executed by the Crescent of Hope, was kick-started last year when Faizal Essack, a volunteer for both Awqaf SA and Crescent of Hope, said he received a call from local MP, Mr AF (Fish) Mahlalela that the schools were in dire need of reliable water supplies.
Two schools, Lindani Primary and Memezela High School, received boreholes with the installation of a water tank and a reticulation system that also pumped the water into the municipal supply. The boreholes ensured that the schools had drinkable water, flushing toilets and irrigation for food gardens.
In a follow up to the broader Awqaf SA borehole project, Deputy Minister Surty, addressed traditional leaders, municipal representatives, school principals and MP Mr AF (Fish) Mahlalela, saying that in the past year the state had built 600 schools, and had a lot more to do to ensure our children enjoyed a safe environment.
