BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A BANG FOR ILEMBE REGION SCHOOLS THANKS TO SAPPI
- BEE NEWS
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Rising Sun Online | 10 March 2025
The six top achievers who each received a laptop, along with a cash donation and other stationery items were Luthando Mbatha from Impoqabulungu, Ziyanda Ndlovu and Sandisiwe Ngcobo from Tugela Secondary, Senzokuhle Makhanya from Stanger South Secondary and Ashley Gumede and Neliswa Ndlovu from Groutville High School.
It was back to school with a bang this year for many of Sappi’s neighbouring schools in the Ilembe region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, thanks to Sappi’s impactful ‘Back to School’ paper donation and matric excellence campaign. Reaffirming its commitment to education as a catalyst for long-term growth, Sappi has once again provided vital educational resources to schools in and around the communities neighbouring their Stanger and Tugela Mills.
Between the two areas, the company distributed 18 tons of much-needed Sappi Typek paper – which translates to 1, 680 boxes, or 6, 400 reams at recent handover events held at the schools and at the mills.
This initiative has lessened the burden of purchasing paper for the 52 schools that received these donations, benefiting thousands of pupils, who now have access to other essential educational support and tools.
These handovers form part of a greater countrywide initiative, targeting Sappi’s communities adjacent to their manufacturing and forestry sites. In total, the company will be providing 72 tons of paper – or 6, 000 boxes or 30, 000 reams – to neighbouring schools through this campaign.
The initiative has been met with widespread enthusiasm from teachers, pupils, and community stakeholders. All have acknowledged the critical role Sappi plays in narrowing educational disparities and driving social transformation by continuously investing in youth development. Sappi is not just addressing immediate academic needs but fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and opportunity.
Speaking at the event, the mayor of Mandeni, Cllr Thabani Mdlalose commented, “Sappi is a pillar in our society and their commitment to improving our region’s educational standards has been witnessed time and again through initiatives like these. We applaud them and thank them for what they do for our youth and look forward to our continued collaboration going forward.”
Taking its commitment a step further, Sappi has recognised academic excellence by awarding six high-achieving 2024 matriculants with laptop starter packs as they transition to university. These technology-driven resources serve as a bridge to higher education, empowering students to embrace the digital age with confidence and competence as they shape their futures.
Education remains a strategic pillar of Sappi’s social impact strategy, aligning with its overarching vision of sustainability, empowerment, and socio-economic advancement. Through interventions like these, Sappi actively builds capacity within communities, unlocking the potential of future leaders and driving progress where it matters most.
“This initiative is more than a donation, it is a bold statement of intent, a powerful demonstration of Sappi’s unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. When communities are empowered through education, it creates a lasting impact, ensuring prosperity for generations to come,” said Beryl Traoré, social impact lead for Sappi Southern Africa.
The Typek paper, manufactured at the Sappi Stanger Mill in KwaZulu-Natal, is renowned as a superior quality A4 office paper, known for its brightness and printability. Not only is it renewable and recyclable, but it is also unique in that bagasse (sugarcane waste) is used in its production process.
This quality product embodies Sappi’s commitment to environmental sustainability whilst aligning with Sappi’s dedication to making meaningful social impact by supporting Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which strives towards Quality Education.
The six top achievers who each received a laptop, along with a cash donation and other stationery items were Luthando Mbatha from Impoqabulungu, Ziyanda Ndlovu and Sandisiwe Ngcobo from Tugela Secondary, Senzokuhle Makhanya from Stanger South Secondary and Ashley Gumede and Neliswa Ndlovu from Groutville High School.
‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.