For years, the 60 teachers at Elim High School had only two toilets to share — a situation many described as undignified and frustrating. That changed on Wednesday, 16 July, when local businessman Mr Jones Mulaudzi, managing director of Kingpin Financial Services, donated newly built ablution facilities to the school.
The donation includes two flushing toilets and two urinals for male teachers, and two flushing toilets for female teachers. The school had been pleading for assistance to improve staff sanitation facilities for more than three years, without success.
Elim High is one of the largest schools in the area, serving pupils from Grade 8 to Grade 12. It currently has 2,029 learners from surrounding communities and accommodates both Xitsonga- and Tshivenda-speaking pupils. The handover ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Basikopo Makamu and Elim Circuit Manager Ntshavheni Rantsu.
During the ceremony, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) said it offered bursaries to cover the cost of driver's licences for 200 eligible Grade 12 learners at the school who are 18 years old.
School-governing body chairperson Mr Katekani Nabela welcomed the donations. "We are happy and grateful. This gesture sets an example, and we hope it encourages other businesspeople to lend a helping hand," he said.
Mulaudzi said the school had approached him for help while he was building his own house. "It's a big relief for me to finally assist. I spent over R100,000. I always try to help where I can — I've donated more than ten houses and I'm currently building a tribal council office at Mpheni," he said.
School principal Tinyiko Nkatingi said the facilities would make a big difference. "This is a huge relief. Teachers will no longer have to queue to use the toilet. Dignity starts with proper facilities," he said.