MEDIA RELEASE
SANRAL brings warmth and support to Makhanda community, Eastern Cape
Caption: Kuyusa Special Needs School accepting school supplies from SANRAL
Makhanda, 14 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has made a significant contribution to the Makhanda community in the Eastern Cape, by distributing blankets to elderly residents and providing essential school supplies like stoves and fridges to local schools. This was part of SANRAL’s contribution to doing good in honour of the late statesman, former President Nelson Mandela.
The day began at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School, where Principal Luluma Dyira expressed her heartfelt gratitude for SANRAL’s contribution. The second stop was Ntsika Senior Secondary School at Joza township.
In response to SANRAL’s support, Principal Thobile Ncula said, “As a school, we want to extend our thanks to SANRAL and the Makana Municipality. This gift couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s an opportune moment for us as we are expanding. This support will help us nurture our learners who can compete globally. The stove and chest freezers will greatly benefit our consumer studies and the laptops will assist in many of our subjects. We are very grateful to SANRAL for choosing us.”
Kuyusa Special Needs School warmly welcomed SANRAL with an opening choir and the beating of the drums, showing deep appreciation for the fulfillment of their wish list. School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Thobile Klei noted, “It takes a village to raise a child”.
Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL’s Southern Region Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, emphasised the importance of the initiative, “This outreach is not just about providing material support, it’s about reaffirming our commitment to the communities we serve. By supporting the elderly and the youth, we are investing in the well-being and future of our society.”
Following the support given to the schools, SANRAL distributed blankets to three old age homes in the city McKaiser Old Age, Hayton House and Brookshaw Home.
“This initiative reflects SANRAL’s commitment to honouring the Mandela legacy by supporting the needy and vulnerable within our community. We believe in the power of collective action and community support to drive positive change,” Ndika added.
SANRAL’s contributions to the Makhanda community underline its dedication to social responsibility and the upliftment of vulnerable groups, reinforcing the agency’s role as a pillar of support for the communities within which it operates.
Makana Municipality Acting Mayor, Andile Hoyi, listed close to 10 internal roads where SANRAL is undertaking maintenance work, targeting taxi routes to Hlalani, Albany Road and Currie Street, and creating opportunities for small businesses.
“SANRAL is in Makana Municipality because there was an engagement by the mayor of Makana through the Office of the Premier, that we need intervention with Makana roads and the roads agency agreed to the request,” said Hoyi.
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