The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo will hand over proceeds from his running the 2011 Comrades Marathon when he hands over a scientific laboratory and track suits to two schools in Newcastle.
When MEC Dhlomo ran the Comrades Marathon he identified three projects for which he wanted to raise funds and assistance. These were: the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital to be re-established in the Durban beach front; the Phumanathi Athletics club which will be promoting health lifestyles in communities; and the Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School in uMbumbulu where he wished to raise funds for an Audio Visual and Arts Centre and/or a Science Laboratory.
A business man, Dr Mduduzi Gama, from Newcastle dared the MEC to complete the race and he (business man) would donate a science laboratory to a school in Newcastle, Sekusile High School. The MEC completed the race in 12 hours 31 minutes and the school will now get a science laboratory. Sekusile High School achieved a Grade 12 pass rate of 90% in 2005, reducing to 75% in 2006 and reducing further to 54% in 2010 and was identified by the education department in their Quality Learning and Teaching campaign.
The MEC will hand over the Science Laboratory to Sekusile High School on Friday, 22 July 2011 at 10h00. Journalists are invited and should contact Chris (083 447 2869) for interviews and Themba (072 517 5417) for pictures.
The MEC will also hand over 210 tracksuits to Khulakahle Primary School for Grade one learners located a few metres away from Sekusile High School. This is to ensure that pupils have warm clothes to wear during the chilling Newcastle winter. The money for the tracksuits was diverted from the funds that would have been spent in organising a big function for the laboratory handover.
The MEC believes that: “By sacrificing one meal, they have provided warm clothing to all Grade one learners at the neighbouring primary school. Secondly, such a gesture should serve as a reminder to all learners that as they receive these gracious gifts, they must also be prepared to give to others now and in the future. This is the new breed of citizens that this beautiful country of ours needs.”
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
Two schools to benefit from MEC Dhlomo’s running the Comrades
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