PG Bison ‘Pays it Forward’ at Lungisani Edu-care Centre
PG Bison had a constructive Mandela Day spent at Lungisani Edu-care Centre in Mkhondo, Emaphepheni, on 19 July 2022 as part of the commitment we made towards implementing sustainable community development programmes within the regions in which we conduct business. In 2022 we built the Lungisani Edu-care Centre, which consists of four classrooms, a sick bay, four toilets, TV room, kitchen and a reception area. For Mandela Day in 2023, we rallied our Johannesburg and Mkhondo teams for our return to complete the project.
Our itinerary included cleaning, painting and decorating the interior of the building, and installing new appliances. Outside, a jungle gym was installed, forming a cheerful play area. We also enjoyed entertaining the kids while assisting the daycare staff.
Sibusiso Dlamini, Executive: Human Capital and Stakeholder Relations, said, “PG Bison is passionate about inspiring and enabling beautiful spaces and, for early childhood development and learning for the 75 young minds aged one to six years who attend the centre, we ensured that we created a space that is conducive for exactly that.”
Classrooms were decorated in different themes, representing the different age groups and a new rainwater harvesting system and tank were set up outside. An inviting reception area and vibrant classrooms were fitted with functional pigeonholes and storage units.
When all the work was done, the centre was officially handed over to the principal, teachers, learners at the event, which was attended by municipal delegates, representatives from Induna, community members and media.
The joinery was beautifully crafted using our Melawood range, including Kirkwall Linear, Naran Peen, Caraz Peen, Dunblane Peen, Kara Blu Peen and Luca Urban for carcasses, with Volans Formica LifeSeal Worktops. We curated a combination of warm pastels of our Melawood range paired with a complementary paint selection to encourage a nurturing and caring learning environment.
“Having grown up in a small community in Mkhondo, I understand firsthand the challenges faced by the communities from an education perspective. This is why I decided to study community development. It is a subject close to my heart and one that I believe if managed successfully can mitigate many social ills in our society,” says Nkosingiphile Hlatshwayo – PG Bison’s Mkhondo Community Liaison Officer.
The principal, Fikelephi Makhoba, gave a heartwarming speech, saying, “I am so amazed by what PG Bison has done for Lungisani Edu-care Centre, which exceeded all my expectations far beyond what I had imagined and could have hoped for. The kitchen is amazing, and the classrooms have everything the children will need. I promise to take care of our beautiful building and ensure that future generations keep it in good condition and treat our building with respect. Thank you so much, PG Bison.”
