Standard Bank strives to be more than just a bank; through community upliftment projects, financing infrastructure development and notable investment in education, we continue to move South Africa forward while helping individuals reach their Next.
A case in point is the recent involvement in the refurbishing of Limpopo’s Nku Primary School, a project undertaken by the Standard Bank Entrepreneurial Development team.
According to Mr Chisulu, Nku Primary School Principal ,the school located in the Mmaletswai Village, struggled with overcrowding , poor sanitation and a decaying building structure.
Mfanufikile Motha, Head of Entrepreneurial Development at Standard Bank, says the ED team is currently focusing on a number of impact projects that will take the nation to its Next through job creation, positive social impact and value-chain integration in terms of black business.
“One of the projects identified is the revamp of schools throughout South Africa, because the team – like the greater group – acknowledges that education plays a vital role in the growth of our country, as well as in Africa as a whole,” he says.
In late March this year, the school underwent a dramatic overhaul at an estimated cost of R2.8 million: existing classrooms were refurbished through plastering, painting and ceiling installation; a kitchen was built; and the roof was checked for leaks. Keeping true to our philosophy of sustainable progress for all, the team hired a black-owned business development support company to oversee the construction and, where possible, used local suppliers for materials.
“There can be no progress without education,” says Mr Motha. “The physical environment of school buildings and school grounds is a key factor in the overall health and safety of staff, visitors and learners, and their ability to learn effectively.”
The construction was completed by 9 April, the day before the children returned to school from their holidays.
