Since 2005, Shanduka employees have been contributing to improve infrastructure at a school situated in a farming area near Lenasia. Managed by Adopt a School Foundation, the project has produced a new wing consisting of a Library, Science laboratory and staff room. This has assisted in improving the facilities at Olifantsvlei Primary School to create an environment of learning.
Shanduka employees have taken it upon themselves to mobilize other funders to support the school. Through this initiative, a Grade R facility has been built by architecture students from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. A diverse range of books were also donated by Exclusive Books and Room to Read, which will aid learners in improving their literacy levels. Exclusive Books also paid for the furbishment of the library. Teachers have been assisted through receiving a vast range of training, from administrative skills to counselling skills to better deal with problems that learners may have.
“Our employees take a hands-on approach to the project and participate in the annual work day at the school. The purpose of this approach is to get everyone directly and personally involved in the development of the school and children,” says Donne Nicol, Executive Director of Shanduka, Foundation. This approach involves employees across the board, including Chairman Cyril Ramaphosa. “We are proud of the initiative that Shanduka employees have taken to take care of this school. Their actions reflect Shanduka’s strong social conscience.”
By getting involved with the structural upkeep of the school itself employees are able to offer valuable time to the school and assist by painting classrooms, tending to the vegetable garden and making sure that the maintenance is seen to.
This in turn aids in an improvement of concentration to ensure that learners are able to fully benefit from the knowledge they are exposed to in the classroom. The vegetable garden was established to ensure that the feeding scheme was properly maintained.
Since the project began in 2005, it has helped to create 48 jobs, ensured that 4 small business have benefited and offered training to 4 educators and 2 parents on Library management. Most importantly, over 765 learners are able to benefit from an improved educational environment, making it conducive to teaching and learning.
Through this continuous support from Shanduka, the community has started to take an interest in the school. Shanduka is planning to continue with the project through the development of an administration block.
For further information contact:
Maureen Mphatsoe
Group Communications Manager
Shanduka Group
Tel: 2711 305 8912
Cel: 083 386 9693
About Shanduka
The Shanduka Group is a leading black owned and managed Investment Company established in 2000. Shanduka’s investment activities span Resources, Financial Services, Property and Strategic Investments.
Shanduka is proud of its contribution to the transformation of the economy and society during a period of interesting and positive developments on the African continent. Our shareholder base combined with a highly qualified and committed management team positions us well to be a catalyst for change.
Shanduka commits substantial management time and expertise to the assets which it is invested in. As part of its investment monitoring process Shanduka is represented at board level and various board sub-committees such as investment, remuneration, audit and transformation committees
In addition Shanduka executives make sure that they are available to assist in the development and growth of their partner companies in various strategic areas such as:
· Strategy sessions
· Sales meetings
· Key sales pitches
· Management meetings
We contribute to the upliftment of our communities through a number of social investment initiatives conducted through the Shanduka Foundation. The foundation is a vehicle for transformation and empowerment dedicated to the improvement of education and the development of business skills amongst the previously disadvantaged community. The Foundation is committed to spend in excess of R100m over ten years in the following areas of development:
· developing women led small businesses and new entrepreneurs;
· providing scholarships for deserving previously disadvantaged students at accredited tertiary institutions; and
· assisting needy schools to acquire basic facilities through the Adopt a School programme.
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