The beginning of the school year in Mpumalanga always arrives with mixed emotions. Many families face the familiar financial pressure of buying uniforms, books, stationery and arranging transport. This year was no exception.
A growing network of local companies and community organisations are stepping in to support learners and schools beyond the usual January donations. Their efforts are improving learning conditions, easing costs for parents and linking business activity to long-term community development.
Across Mpumalanga’s three districts — Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala — this support is becoming more visible, more strategic and closely aligned with what schools actually need.
One of the most notable contributions in the province comes from Thungela Resources, through the Thungela Education Initiative, a R160-million programme over five years run in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education since quarter one of 2024.
The initiative was launched at Steve Tshwete Boarding School in Middelburg and focuses on 45 no-fee primary schools across Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts. It targets learners in Grade R to Grade 4, where literacy and numeracy gaps often begin.
The programme combines several elements: teacher training and support, improved learning resources, school refurbishments where needed and psychosocial support for learners.
Thungela CEO July Ndlovu said the company’s investment aims to widen access to quality education in host communities and help children succeed at school. He explained that strengthening teaching and learning at primary level is essential for learners to progress confidently through the rest of their schooling.
Teachers at KwaZamokuhle Secondary School in Hendrina, where Thungela and Barloworld Equipment helped fund staff facilities and planning spaces, say the support has lifted morale and made lesson preparation far more collaborative and effective.
This kind of sustained investment shows how business partnerships can improve more than just the ‘Back-to-School’ moment — they can shape everyday teaching and learning environments.
Sappi, putting paper back into classrooms
For many schools, something as simple as paper can be scarce. Without it, teachers struggle to print worksheets, assessments, reading texts and lesson plans.
As part of its Back-to-School Campaign, Sappi Southern Africa donated 72 tons of Typek paper to schools situated near its forestry and manufacturing operations, including Budlweni Primary School in Mpumalanga.
Teachers and learners at beneficiary schools noted that access to paper has made day-to-day teaching more practical and inclusive. The donation means more printed learning material, less sharing of limited copies and better classroom organisation.
Sappi’s Social Impact Lead, Beryl Traoré, said the initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities where it operates. She highlighted that empowering learners through education contributes to stronger families and more resilient communities in the future.
Putco: Removing barriers to access through uniforms and transport support
Access to education is not only about books and classrooms, it is also about getting to school and having the basics to participate confidently.
Transport operator Putco has focused its Corporate Social Investment efforts on school support in parts of Ehlanzeni and Nkangala districts. Between 2024 and 2025, the company has assisted schools such as Somkhahlelwa High School, Musa High School, Sihlengiwe High School, Mangadisa Primary School and Sibonelo Primary School.
Support has included school uniforms and hygiene packs, helping to reduce the financial pressure on families during the reopening period and encouraging regular attendance.
Putco’s approach illustrates how companies can extend their impact beyond their core business by addressing real obstacles learners face every day — especially in rural and peri-urban communities where transport remains a challenge.
Grassroots efforts: ZZZ Foundation’s role in restoring dignity
Impact does not come only from large corporations. Community-based organisations are also filling critical gaps.
The Zethembiso Nezethelelo Zothando (ZZZ) Foundation, led by Bishop Anderson Matsane, has concentrated on uniform drives in the Ehlanzeni district. Some of the learners who have benefited are from Mgcobaneni Primary School (Masoyi), Maphakama Primary School and Umpopoli Primary School (KaBokweni).
Since January, more than 100 learners have received school uniforms. For families, this support relieves financial pressure; for children, it restores confidence and reduces stigma — key factors for participation and attendance.
For business leaders, the message is straightforward: investing in education is both socially responsible and economically smart. Learners who arrive prepared, attend regularly and feel supported are more likely to become tomorrow’s skilled workers, entrepreneurs and professionals.
