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Tongaat Hulett Donates Uniforms To Deserving Pupils

Tongaat Hulett Donates Uniforms To Deserving Pupils

Author: By Independent Bugle Reporter
Date: 2025-09-25

Learners from nine KwaZulu-Natal North Coast schools are thrilled with their new school uniforms, thanks to a joint sponsorship by agri-processing business Tongaat Hulett, small-scale growers, traditional tribal councils and local sugar mills.

During the past decade, more than 5 000 learners from disadvantaged families have benefited from the company's Back-to-School Campaign.

Tongaat Hulett's Social Economic Development (SED) unit has committed to support 350 beneficiaries annually with full school uniform across the company's operational areas.

Recently, 150 learners from five schools in the Amatikulu region - Phambili High, Wetane Primary, Skhonyana Primary, Lokothwayo Primary and Mkhukhuze Primary - were handed new uniforms. In expressing gratitude to Tongaat Hulett and the management of the Amatikulu sugar mill, educators at the schools committed to fostering an environment conducive to learning, growth, and advancement for all their learners.

One hundred learners from four schools in the vicinity of the Maidstone sugar mill - Waterfall Primary, Kruisfotein Primary, Simpiwe Secondary and Mshwathi Primary - also received new uniforms and shoes following motivation to Tongaat Hulett by the Makhosikhosi Trust.

TheMakhosikhosi TrustandTongaat Hulettpartnership is a land lease agreement established in 2013 for the Makhosikhosi Communal Property Trust to lease land for sugar cane farming, aiming to provide social upliftment, economic opportunities, and rural development for the local community.

This initiative involves Tongaat Hulett utilizing its expertise to manage the farms, create jobs, support education, and address historical land claims, demonstrating a model for land reform in South Africa.

Traditional leader Inkosi Bonokwakhe Prince Gumede praised Tongaat Hulett for investing in the future of local youth and helping restore pride and attendance in schools. He said many families in in rural areas face economic hardship, making it difficult to afford basic school necessities.

Scelo Luthuli, principal of Waterfall Primary School, thanked Tongaat Hulett for helping disadvantaged to eliminate visible socioeconomic differences with uniforms, thus allowing students from all backgrounds to feel equally respected.

Snethemba Kunene, SED Manager at Tongaat Hulett, said the company valued the future of its rural grower communities and has invested in their dignity and success.

She said: "Uniforms help level the playing field, reducing visible economic differences among students. Uniforms also contribute to an improved culture of learning in schools as it builds a sense of pride and increases learner attendance.

"For families struggling financially, removing the burden of buying uniforms can make school more accessible. Through the Back-to-School Campaign, we have aimed to reach children from low-income households that are situated in our cane growing areas."