Skip to Content

11 March 2016

Media Release: SANParks donates another State of the art Science laboratory to a school in Thabazimbi

The hand-over is part of SANParks Corporate Social Investment (CSI) which supports communities that are adjacent to its National Parks. Groenvlei Secondary is adjacent to the Big Five Marakele National Park, situated just outside Thabazimbi. SANParks charges 1% Community Levy on all reservations for accommodation and activities in order to fund these projects.

Speaking at the event which was attended by politicians, Department of Education officials and school children, SANParks Chief Executive Mr Fundisile Mketeni said “We attribute the success of national Parks to the communities that live close by. They make us shine and it is therefore befitting that we plough back by contributing to the education of their children.”

The laboratory valued at over R800 000.00 will accommodate 50 children at any given time and will enrich their level of education through the utilization of variety of Science materials to boost their level of understanding regarding Science Knowledge.

The Chief Executive further outlined the different SANParks poverty alleviation projects in communities neighbouring national Parks. “Programs such as Working for Water and many provide the much needed employment in various communities, and we are glad that we can be of assistance.”

He concluded his remarks by extending an invitation to the Department of Education to bring learners to Marakele and all the Parks for the different Environmental Education programmes and also encouraged learners to consider careers in conservation and become part of SANParks in the future.

Ms Madela, who is the Department of Education District Manager, said “We are truly grateful to SANParks for this wonderful donation to the Province. We pledge to take care of it, so that it doesn”t only serve the class of 2016 but many more learners who are still coming and surrounding schools as Groenvlei has been identified as one of the Science Centres.”

SANParks will be handing over another Science laboratory to Hlakulani Secondary School in Giyani in the next week.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks), Northern Region

Enquiries:
Divhani Maremba
SANParks Regional Communications Manager: Northern Region
Tel: 012 426-5304; Cell: 0745885789
E-mail: [email protected]