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 » Recommended

Mamelodi Sundowns coach blames pitch for draw ahead of Al Ahli clash

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach blamed poor pitch conditions for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Chippa United ahead of their upcoming match.

Source:

Staff Reporter

|

14 Sep 2026
Former Kariega learner donates to alma mater

Muir College Boys’ High School received R142,000 in donations from alumnus Claude Smith for sports equipment and programs in 2026.

Shanti Jafta

|

14 Sep 2026
Strelitzia principal heads to global convention in New Zealand

Strelitzia High’s principal Ian Balie will attend the ICP 2026 in New Zealand, enhancing global educational connections and leadership practices.

Staff Reporter

|

10 Sep 2026
Matriculant of the Year | Here are the top candidates in esteemed competition

The University of the Free State (UFS) and Novus Media’s 45th Matriculant of the Year competition today announces its top group.

Source:

Siska Martin

|

10 Sep 2026
Ford recalls 2 275 Rangers over airbag safety defect

Ford recalls 2 275 Rangers over airbag defect that could turn B-Pillar ramp into projectile, risking injury to vehicle occupants.

Source:

Staff reporter

|

31 Aug 2026
Muir College celebrates another academic honours blazer

Muir College Boys’ High learner Kyle Hennings earned the prestigious white Honours Blazer for academics.

Shanti Jafta

|

27 Aug 2026
Local learners strike gold at Eskom Expo

Forty-two learners showcased 37 projects in the Regional Eskom Expo, earning nine gold, four silver, and one bronze award.

Staff Reporter

|

25 Aug 2026
Tiryville entrepreneur puts his community on the map

Sasso Vlet launches TIRYVILLE dishwashing liquid to promote entrepreneurship and pride in his Tiryville community, overcoming challenges and inspiring others.

Shanti Jafta

|

14 Aug 2026
More than R142m invested in NMB flood recovery projects

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality completed 12 infrastructure projects worth R142 million, restoring flood-damaged roads and enhancing future disaster resilience.

Staff Reporter

|

12 Aug 2026
Kidnapping victim rescued, suspect arrested in Libode crime-prevention operation

A kidnapping victim was rescued and a suspect arrested after Libode police found a bound man in a stopped vehicle.

Source:

Staff Reporter

|

4 Aug 2026