Umlazi, Durban. 22 October 2021. Tiger Brands’ Albany Bakery in Durban has helped renovate and equip the computer laboratory at Zwelibanzi High School in Umlazi township, Durban, for the use of its Grade 10, 11 and 12 students who have selected Information Technology as a subject.
“Technology is at the epicentre of the world that we live in and no wonder that more young people are gravitating towards careers in the field where there are opportunities forecast long into future.
“It is our responsibility as a large producer and contributor to the local economy to help level the playing field amongst children across communities so that they have better access to innovation and technology driving our everyday existence, and have the opportunity to become part of this growing space and even grow as leaders within it, says Zolile Ntukwana, External Affairs Director, Tiger Brands.
The newly opened Zwelbanzi High School computer laboratory is equipped with 20 computers, amongst other facilities, and will be accessible to its more than 1,500 learners, as well as learners from neighbouring schools.
“Our learners are from low income households which are affected negatively by the digital divide due to lack of IT resources. The Tiger Brands and Albany Bakery sponsorship will ensure that those who have chosen IT as their elective subject will be able to complete the critical practical tasks and have a better advantage in the fourth industrial revolution ecosystem.
“Every learner at some stage will be afforded an opportunity to use a computer before reaching university and ensure that they are well equipped with relevant computer knowledge given the demands of the new normal engendered by the Covid 19 pandemic,” says Thulani Moyana, an IT educator at Zwelibanzi High School.
Zwelibanzi High School was selected as a beneficiary of the new computer laboratory following a call to Tiger Brands employees during Nelson Mandela Month to put forward proposals for community initiatives needing support. The proposal for the school was presented by a Tiger Brands employee at its Albany Bakery in Mobeni, Durban, less than 10 kilometres away.
Tiger Brands employees across South Africa are encouraged and supported in their efforts to help improve the communities in which they operate and live. A thorough assessment is made into proposals received to support community initiatives prior to a decision being made to invest in it.
“Zwelibanzi has demonstrated consistent performance in the face of challenges, most of all economic hardships experienced by the community in which they are situated. They have not allowed themselves to be limited by these, and we are confident this new resource will only enhance their capabilities and academic outcomes, as well as their economic potential and social wellbeing,” says Ntukwana.
