Nomzamo Mbatha, Cotton On Foundation plant seeds of growth at KwaMashu school
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha and the Cotton On Foundation planted native trees and installed personalised plant cards throughout the Dr JL Dube High School in KwaMashu.
Award-winning local artist Marc-Gregory designed an iconic art-piece. Picture credit: Simangele Legodi
JOHANNESBURG - Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, passed away ten years ago this year and to commemorate his inspirational life, award-winning actress Nomzamo Mbatha and the Cotton On Foundation planted native trees and installed personalised plant cards throughout the Dr JL Dube High School in KwaMashu.
Teachers and students joined the occasion on Tuesday and shared their appreciation for the school after so many years. The school has a lot of potential but the buildings are now crammed, dilapidated and under-resourced.
The school, which bears the name of South African essayist, John Langalibalele Dube, was founded in 1979 and can currently house more than 1,200 students in grades 8 through 12.
#MandelaDay This year, the #CottonOnFoundation has already raised and donated sufficient funds to plant 85 000 trees as part of the Kruger to Canyons, Blyde Expansion Restoration Pilot in Mpumalanga. @MangiLegodi
' EWN Lifestyle (@EWN_Lifestyle) July 18, 2023
The Cotton On Foundation's involvement with the school includes a food plan, the introduction of sporting programming, teacher training, supplemental funding for operating expenditures and the delivery of reading resources for students.
Mbatha commended former President Nelson Mandela for serving as an inspiration to them.
"It is up to all of us to plant and protect these valuable living organisms that contribute greatly to our quality of life and the quality of life we are able to provide for future generations. I encourage all Cotton On shoppers to support this important campaign that has the potential to improve the conditions and well being of learners," she added.
Award-winning local artist, Marc-Gregory, designed an iconic art piece, which was gifted to the school.
The artwork subtly alludes to Madiba’s presence in the leaves of a tree, created featuring the colours of the South African flag.
The foundation's plans to build a new future for this school include renovated infrastructure equipped with digital learning spaces, sports facilities, increased staff, and ongoing support.
Dr JL Dube High School's landscaping plan intends to preserve species from this vegetation unit as well as a number of locally native plants from other vegetation units. The variety of plant species used creates a layered and healthy learning environment by varying in height, texture, and colour.