The Dikgatlong High School in Delportshoop has been in existence for 23 years and has more than 600 learners in attendance. However, the school never had an operational science laboratory – until AfriSam stepped in.
The cement producer has ensured that this underprivileged school now has a fully functional laboratory.
This makes Dikgatlong the only high school of its kind in the area that can offer classes in a properly equipped laboratory.
“AfriSam is very passionate about educational programmes, as we view proper education as the backbone of a prosperous country,” said Hardie de Beer, general manager at AfriSam.
“When we received word from the school that it required assistance with a science laboratory, we saw an opportunity to contribute to making our children fall in love with Science again.”
“To ensure a fully functioning facility, we supplied the required equipment and chemicals and also replaced the system that supplies water to the laboratory.
“To aid effective and efficient learning, AfriSam also supplied two laptops and installed two overhead projectors and the required screens.
“We also bought new desks and chairs, replacing the old double-combination desks, which were not conducive to having group discussions.
“As the safekeeping of the chemicals is key, a security gate was fitted to the storeroom,” said De Beer.
To implement this project, AfriSam appointed a few local businesses to help with some of the renovations, such as painting the laboratory rooms, fixing broken windows and installing stone guards on windows for enhanced security.
Vincent Moya, a Gr. 12 learner at the school, has explained the value the laboratory would hold for the learners.
“Having to try and imagine all the chemical reactions mentioned in the textbook was difficult. Now that we have a science lab, it will make things much easier.”
Kamogelo Raadt, in Gr. 11, has also expressed her excitement.
“My ambition is to go to medical school after matric. Having the science lab is very exciting, because it will help me to improve my marks for university admission.”
Peter Malefane, head of the department for Mathematics and Science at Dikgatlong, said that having the proper equipment and chemicals for the laboratory meant that the school’s pass rate would increase dramatically. This is expected to lead to a higher number of new learner admissions, as children would want to attend the school.
“We are very grateful to AfriSam for giving our learners the opportunity to excel in Science. The teachers and members of the school governing body are very excited about it. Thank you, AfriSam,” said Malefane.
- Since establishing its first cement plant in 1934, AfriSam has grown into a formidable group with operations in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. “Afri” in the name refers to our proud African heritage and “Sam” comes from “samente” or “disamente” – the word for cement in six of South Africa’s official languages.
