Mafube Coal, as part of its corporate social investment (CSI) programme, in partnership with Barloworld, handed over a newly constructed library to Beestepan Agricultural High School. The school is located on the Beestepan Broedery farm serving approximately 400 learners from Ward 7 and 9 of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This is a significant project providing a learning space with resources to support and enhance learning. Mogodi Mahapa, mining manager at Mafube Coal said, “This library will play a crucial role in fostering informed learners and promoting access to information.
Learners will now have access to resources to conduct research and engage in a variety of learning activities that were previously inaccessible due to the lack of facilities in the area. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to improving access to quality education and skills development in communities where we operate. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that the library will have on the learners and the broader community.”
Lesego Ramatlhape, Head: Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion at Barloworld said: “We are proud to have partnered with Mafube Coal in developing this fully equipped facility that will help learners of this community with resources and provide study spaces, promoting literacy and a culture of social cohesion.” Ms Cathy Dlamini, MEC of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that marks the handover of the library. "Investing in education infrastructure in communities such as this one is highly crucial. The library will provide our learners with essential resources that will help them excel academically and enable them to achieve success and build a brighter future for themselves."
“Libraries remain essential in our schools and communities, even in the digital age. They provide crucial support for learning, and offer free educational resources, particularly for areas with network access challenges. This ensures every learner has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the lack of access to Wi-Fi facilities or financial resources,” she said.
Councillor Mhlonishwa Masilela, Executive Mayor of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, highlighted the importance of the new facility for the learners in the Beestepan Broedery farm community. "The library is a much-needed addition to our community. This project is an excellent example of how private sector and local government can work together to make a lasting impact in our communities, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited," he said.
Local company Rospa Trading was commissioned to execute the project, which created 25 jobs, including seven full-time positions, three of which were held by women.
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