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 7

Community Highlights

Harcourts UD donate event proceeds to Oosterland CYCC

Harcourts UD’s recent Music Trivia evening raised R76 211.10 for Oosterland Child and Youth Care Centre, showcasing community support through attendance and donations.

Shanti Jafta

|

23 Oct 2025
Meet the 2025 UD Express Trading Star Winners

Our readers casted their votes to honour the businesses, brands, and people who make Kariega truly exceptional. Explore the full list of winners and celebrate the spirit of excellence that…

UD Express

|

17 Oct 2025
Despatch Athletics Club makes big move for men’s cancer awareness

Despatch Athletics Club is participating in the 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run on 31 October, promoting prostate cancer awareness while fundraising for essential screenings and education.

UD Express

|

17 Oct 2025
Beauty queen wants to transform Kariega community with kindness

Natasha Van Antwerpen, a community worker and Miss Uitenhage finalist, dedicates her life to helping vulnerable groups, focusing on cancer awareness and community empowerment projects.

Shanti Jafta

|

16 Oct 2025
Memorial service honours 490 murder victims, families in Kamesh

During the emotional service, the community was reminded that 490 chairs will never be sat on again, representing 490 hugs, kisses and smiles forever lost.

Shanti Jafta

|

16 Oct 2025
Nqweba Library awarded Library of the Year

Kirkwood Public Library in Nqweba won the LIASA-Ndende Library of the Year Award, showcasing its innovative community services and digital initiatives despite limited resources, enhancing local development.

Shanti Jafta

|

9 Oct 2025
Recreational area plagued by vandalism and tree destruction

Willow Dam recreational area faces serious issues like littering, vandalism, and noise complaints due to improper use, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of rules by local authorities.

Shanti Jafta

|

9 Oct 2025
Man (27) arrested for brutal murder of girl (8) in KwaLanga

A man (27) has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a girl (8) whose body was discovered yesterday, 6 October, in KwaLanga.

Shanti Jafta

|

7 Oct 2025
Conrad Koch, Chester Missing return

Conrad Koch and Chester Missing’s new comedy show, Puppet Power, brings laughter and satire to the Eastern Cape and Garden Route starting October, featuring fresh characters and humor.

UD Express

|

3 Oct 2025
Sinako NPO brings hope to community through clothing outreach

The Sinako-We Can NPO, supported by Community Chest, successfully distributed clothing and essentials to underserved residents, highlighting community partnerships and future assistance projects.

Shanti Jafta

|

2 Oct 2025