Industry pulls together in a science education investment in Lamontville

08 October 2004

Three south Durban companies, Engen, Mondi and SAPREF, have joined forces to establish a R200 000 science laboratory in Lamontville. The laboratory, which is being officially launched today, will be used by all the schools in the township.

The project involved converting a classroom at the Lamontville High School into a fully-kitted science laboratory, with work benches, cupboards, Bunsen burners and science kits for learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12. The latest technology has been applied in equipping the laboratory.

The initiative was in response to a need expressed by the Lamontville Education Development Association (LEDA), an association of educators in the Lamontville area. The LEDA initially contacted SAPREF with a request for investment after it identified science education as a priority need for local schools. SAPREF recognised the need to develop maths and science education several years ago and approached Engen and Mondi to co-invest in this project.

Speaking on behalf of the three companies, Wayne Pearce, SAPREF's managing director, said this social investment was ideal as it addressed the country's needs as well as future needs of industry.

Pearce said: "This is a great example of what can be achieved when industry joins forces with government departments and makes strategic and sustainable social investments. Education is a particularly key area to invest in as it provides long-term benefits both socially and economically. We hope to identify more initiatives where public private partnerships can be implemented in the future in neighbouring communities. He said it was also encouraging that schools in the area had chosen to share the facility."

Mduduzi Sithole, the chairman of the LEDA, said the laboratory would go a long way towards enhancing the standard of science education in Lamontville.

"We are very grateful for the support we have received from Engen, Mondi and SAPREF. The effort that has been put into this project has been tremendous and we hope that this project is the start of a lasting partnership with industry in south Durban.