Soutpansberg Primary gets mini-makeover, thanks to Isuzu

Date: 01 February 2024 By: Andries van Zyl

Soutpansberg Primary School in Louis Trichardt has received a welcome mini-makeover, thanks to NTT Isuzu Makhado, in partnership with Isuzu Motors South Africa and the Isuzu Foundation. The total cost of the project was just under R130,000, with the official handover of the project taking place on Tuesday (30^th).

According to Mr PJ van Rensburg, the local dealer principal, the project was a way of showing the community that Isuzu cared. He explained that as a company, they saw that the Soutpansberg Primary's premises and buildings needed some repairs and submitted a proposal for financing a project to the Isuzu Foundation. Their proposal was approved.

The project entailed a revamp of the boys' and girls' bathrooms, a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the school building and guardhouse, fixing a leaking concrete ceiling in a passageway, replacing some old gutters, and several other smaller projects. Van Rensburg said they really had their work cut out for them to stretch the money as far as possible.

Among the guests who attended the handover was Mr Falaza Baloyi, Department of Education circuit manager for the Soutpansberg East region. “We appreciate the gesture from NTT Isuzu for the support for us. They are playing their societal role as education is a societal matter,” said Baloyi.

School principal Ms Shonisani Mushaathama was also very grateful for the help.

“A school is not just a place of academic learning; it is a community that thrives on collaboration, care, and support. Isuzu and NTT have exemplified these values through their commitment to enhancing the physical spaces where our students spend a considerable part of their day,” Mushaathama said.

Mushaathama said that she, as principal, understood the importance of a positive and conducive environment for effective learning. “Isuzu and NTT, your contribution goes beyond paint and renovation; it creates a positive atmosphere that fosters a sense of pride and respect for our school facilities,” said Mushaathama.

A positive atmosphere in which to learn and teach was one of Isuzu's main motivations for the project. In their proposal, they stated that they wanted to, among other things, enhance the learning environment at the school; contribute to better sanitation and thereby improve health and hygiene; and through improvement, instil a renewed sense of pride in the students, teachers, and surrounding community.

“I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Isuzu and NTT for their outstanding support. Your partnership has not only enhanced our school's infrastructure but has also strengthened the sense of community within these walls. We look forward to continuing this journey together, creating an environment where our students can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Mushaathama in closing.

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Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

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