Topic Menu:

JOHN Walton Secondary School was recently endowed with a study centre and sleeping quarters, where its matric learners can look forward to having two meals a day while they study for the year ahead.

The school received over R45 000 in sponsorship, both monetary and in-kind.

The KallaManie Benefit Foundation was established in memory of the late Manie ‘Kalla’ Daniels, who was a long-serving educator at John Walton. The Foundation, registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), donates all its proceeds to good causes. The late Daniels’ wife, Fredaline, nominated Jamie-Lee Daniels, Clinton Anderson, and Jeffrey du Preez as the Foundation’s founding directors.

The donation came in various forms, from local businesses such as the KallaManie Benefit Foundation donating R30 000, Score under Chill Beverages who donated R5 000, the JWSS Alumni Association donating R15 000, Buco Hardware Store, which donated building materials, as well as Andrew Rabie Secondary School and Ebrahim Wicomb who donated cutlery.

A current Grade 12 learner shared his heartfelt story about what the study centre would mean for him going into his matric year.

“My living conditions are not good because, during the day, I cannot study as there is too much noise around. We stay in a one-roomed flat in someone’s backyard. Sometimes, I have to study with a torch because the owner of the house switches off the electricity often, or sometimes there just is no electricity,” said the learner.

He added that he has a desire to learn, but his circumstances do not allow him to do so. This is why he believes that the study centre will be beneficial for him and other learners as well. “It will provide learners, such as me, with a safe and comfortable place to learn.”

The learner, filled with emotion, added, “I am grateful that I will now have a place to get valuable study time, as well as a guaranteed warm plate of food and breakfast the next day.”

The sleeping quarters were equipped with numerous bunk beds, which were assembled by the school’s wood-working department to limit costs. Deputy Principal Phillip Joseph added that they hope to receive more donations as there is still space to convert the adjacent classroom into another sleeping quarter. The current arrangement will alternate between housing boys one week and girls the next. Should there be more funding, it will give learners equal opportunities to benefit from it.

According to Joseph, a section of the school was converted into two sections: a study hall and sleeping quarters, which would accommodate approximately 20 learners both during the week and over the weekend for those in need.

“Learners who cannot study at home are encouraged to come to the school, where they will be provided with a meal and an opportunity to study among teachers. Having teachers around will give struggling learners an opportunity to ask questions should they get stuck,” Joseph added.

As a non-fee paying school receiving a subsidy from the Department of Education, the subsidy goes towards the school’s learning materials and staff salaries.

“Our school was meant to be a temporary structure (made of wood) in 1978. We were initially meant to move; however, that has not happened yet. So, we need money for the maintenance of the school as well,” Joseph said.

He added that the learners come from impoverished backgrounds, and in some cases, learners have additional challenges.

The Principal, Stephen de Bruin, said that the school moved from quintile 4 to quintile 3, which means that the learners are part of the government’s school feeding scheme.

“This initiative is important because some children who do not eat, do not have the energy to study throughout the day. This will eradicate that and give all learners an equal chance at succeeding in their studies,” De Bruin said.

He also added that the study centre will be a sanctuary for learners who cannot study at home, and that here will be security guards patrolling the premises to ensure that the learners are safe.

Joseph concluded, “The school calls on other businesses and able community members to assist them in providing larger sleeping quarters for its learners to help them achieve an even higher pass rate than last year’s 80.1%.”

Topic Menu:

Home » Community Highlights » Page 6

Community Highlights

Despatch woman murdered, SAPS seeks public assistance

A woman (56) was murdered in Despatch on Sunday evening. Police discovered her body with multiple stab wounds and are now appealing for public assistance.

UD Express

|

21 Jan 2026
Municipal pound outsourcing sparks questions

Nelson Mandela Bay’s new three-year outsourced animal control service aims to improve public safety and welfare amidst concerns about sustainability and infrastructure development in managing stray animals.

UD Express

|

15 Jan 2026
Kariega’s abandoned petrol station finally demolished after years

The abandoned Quest petrol station in Kariega has been demolished due to safety concerns. The structure was a problem for years, leading to municipal action and eventual removal.

Shanti Jafta

|

8 Jan 2026
Never too late as 81-year-old earns Master’s Degree

At 81, Richard Borain graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy, inspired by his sons, after overcoming setbacks, and plans to pursue a doctorate in snake vaccine manufacturing.

UD Express

|

8 Jan 2026
Gqeberha to stage SA beach wrestling

The South African beach wrestling championships will take place at The Willows resort on March 28-29, 2026, expecting 250-300 wrestlers and showcasing local facilities.

Hannes Schoeman

|

8 Jan 2026
Watch: Community spirit shines bright as Despatch welcomes Father Christmas in magical evening celebration

DESPATCH – Families gathered in a heartwarming display of unity on Wednesday evening when they welcomed Father Christmas in a truly magical Christmas celebration that will be remembered for years…

UD Express

|

11 Dec 2025
Fuel on Wheels founder achieves dream alongside world champ

Johan Oosthuizen, founder of Fuel on Wheels, participated in a charity ride with Mark Cavendish, raising R2.1 million for men’s health, significantly advancing his community mission.

Shanti Jafta

|

30 Nov 2025
EC wins national Power Towers Food Drive for fourth time

The Eastern Cape won the Power Towers Food Drive, collecting 19.6 tonnes of food, a national record, benefiting multiple local charities and demonstrating strong community support.

UD Express

|

29 Nov 2025
Youngest kickboxer awarded global black belt

Sofia Khan (14), earned her black belt at Strydom’s Kickboxing Academy, becoming the youngest WAKO-affiliated kickboxer in Eastern Cape.

UD Express

|

20 Nov 2025
MBDA revive dilapidated Kariega Railway Sheds

The MBDA’s Kariega Railway Sheds project will create a hub for small businesses and events, stimulating local economy and preserving heritage, with construction expected to finish by June 2026.

Shanti Jafta

|

20 Nov 2025