KZN Sands Sponsors State-of-the-Art Computer Center for Local High School

On November 23, KZN Sands officially handed over a computer laboratory to a local high school. But not just any high school: with 363 learners, Mbuyiseni High School is one of the best performing deep rural schools in its district.

“We are committed to adding value to our stakeholders and delivering on our promises in order to make a meaningful difference and improve the lives of the people in the areas where we operate,” said Nozuko Basson, Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs. “We believe such projects allow for the empowerment of not only the learners or the school, but the community as a whole. This is an investment that will offer the learners the opportunity to be exposed to new and up-to-date information that can help open their world to new possibilities.”

The state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with desks, 33 new computers with Microsoft licensing, a router for internet connection, a printer and a projector. Air-conditioning units and fans have been installed to protect the equipment from heat, dust and moisture, and the room is fully burglar barred for safety. 

According to the principal of the high school, learners did not previously have access to computers, and this prevented them from sourcing vital information needed to complete their projects and prepare for their exams. Now, however, students can gain exposure to Information Technology (IT) as a subject of choice. The subject will be introduced to Grade 10 to Grade 12 learners.

Additional disadvantages of not having internet-connected computers at the school meant that the learners had been excluded from the ever-changing digital learning platforms available.

“The school will now be in a position to enhance teacher and learner relationships to become more effective because they will have access to better quality education,” Nozuko said. “We believe the computer laboratory will offer the learners of Mbuyiseni High School exciting new prospects and hope for progress in the future.”

As part of Tronox’s commitment to empowering local business from the communities, we appointed Getkate Projects—a black-woman-owned business that has been successfully operating in the KZN region for six years—to oversee the construction of the computer laboratory and the installation of the computers. 

Tronox’s donation will make a fundamental contribution to the school as it aims to improve the standard of education in the KwaMkhwanazi Traditional Authority Area. It will facilitate teaching and learning by assisting learners to produce quality results and educators will have more access to teaching information. It will also give learners access to information for their projects and assignments on site at the school rather than needing to find it elsewhere.

“We are very appreciative that Tronox headed the call to assist in transforming the educational system,” said Dr. David Chonco, district director, Department of Education. “These computers will go a long way in changing the lives of many learners. Thank you, Tronox, for the good work that you are doing.”

Tronox is committed to making a positive impact at the schools in the areas in which they operate. Part of this means providing learners and educators with equal opportunities to move away from the chalk board—where teachers are the only source of knowledge—to computers, which play an important role in the transformation of education.