21 Oct 2024

Ngami Junior Secondary School has received P2 million from MMG Khoemacau copper mine and its partners.

The money was raised through the mine’s annual cycling challenge dubbed Lake Ngami GM’s Cycle Classic.

Receiving the donation during the award ceremony of the cycling challenge on Sunday, the school head, Ms Gaone Phuthego expressed gratitude to the mine for the gesture, saying it was testament that the mine management was committed to improving education and learning. 

The funds, she said, would be channelled towards improving water reticulation and construction of a digital laboratory to enhance learning and teaching as well as to bridge the digital divide.

She said the school was experiencing challenges with water reticulation and that they relied on bowsing which was expensive. She acknowledged that the mine had been of great assistance through their corporate  social responsibility initiative.

She said the mine had previously undertaken various projects in their school, citing the construction of ablutions as well as supporting boot camps and prize giving ceremonies. 

“I will like to thank the mine’s management for their invaluable support and commitment to the promotion of academic excellence in our school,” she said, adding that they had not been doing well academically, but that the digital laboratory was a boost to learning.

Ms Phuthego said the school was built in 1988 and currently had 860 pupils of which 80 per cent of them were boarders with 140 staff members. 

She also promised to encourage learners to participate in the cycling challenge next year, noting that First Lady Ms Neo Masisi, through the Merck Foundation, donated some bicycles to the school.

The chief rider, Dr Khumoetsile Mapitse, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Pula Medical Aid Fund, praised the mines’ cycling initiative, saying it was not only meant for sporting, but was also a testament to the mine’s commitment to community development and progress.

He also commended the mine for supporting community initiatives such as education, infrastructure development and programmes that uplifted livelihoods.

MMG Khoemacau external affairs director, Mr Boikobo Paya said they aimed to grow the event in line with their values and mission of mining for progress, adding that they wanted to build a lasting legacy in the region.

He said their theme: #Cycling for progress, emphasised the important role that collective efforts played in transforming communities for the better.

He said the cycle classic has had a tangible impact on the region and that funds were used to support key projects such as the refurbishment of schools, access to clean water and infrastructural improvements that enhanced the lives of many. Ends