Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka donating paints to Matseke Primary School Principal, Ivy Aphane.
Dr Gwen Ramokgopa Foundation and the University donated paints, books, vegetables and started a new vegetable farm for the school. The school was started in 1956 and has 29 active teachers and caters for 911 learners, mostly from the informal settlements around Atteridgeville.
Handing over the donation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka said that as a University, TUT is not the monument of the elite, but works together with our communities to solve societal problems facing us.
“Together with the founder of the Gwen Ramokgopa Foundation, who is also our former Chancellor, who served TUT with humility and excellence, we saw the need to offer a helping hand to Matseke Primary School. A good and conducive environment and proper infrastructure determine the kind of learners that the school will produce”, said Dr Papu-Zamxaka.
“We believe that we should start at schools such as Matseke Primary and others around our communities to mould and produce future-ready graduates that will help to solve the challenges of our country. We cannot wait until learners come to TUT, but we should nurture them from an early age,” she concluded.
The vegetable garden was done by TUT Farm manager, Douglas Mfolo, with his team that includes students and staff.