Middelburg — About 250 learners at Mthobeni Primary School in Middelburg received school uniforms from Liberty Coal. This is part of the mine’s drive to donate 1,000 uniform packs (shoes, shirts, trousers and tunics) to schools in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
“Learners who come to school without proper uniforms face several challenges. They are often ridiculed by other learners and this negatively affects their self-esteem,” said Deputy Principal Themba Sibande.
The donation is part of Liberty Coal’s year-long community support campaign, targeting schools within a 25 kilometre radius of its operations. The campaign will continue for the next 12 weeks to support other schools in the area.
Philis Masilela, whose Grade 7 sister attends the school, said the donation would ease financial pressure on her aunt. “This donation means a lot to us because we don’t have a mother and our father is not working. We tried to cover the school uniform, but it was not enough. We are grateful for the donation; it will ease a financial burden on my aunt,” she said.
Liberty Coal Head of Communication Mpumelelo Mashifane said the initiative aims to reduce inequality by creating equal opportunities for learners. He said the company also supports STEM education through structured school, holiday and weekend camps. “Learners attending the camps are provided with meals during weekends and school holidays,” he said.
