July 2022.

Welgemoed Primary School, a tiny farm school close to Ceres was alive with activity this Mandela Day, to give the 48 learners a fresh new building. Parents, members of the governing body, and a team from Perdekraal East Wind Farm and Mainstream Renewable Power, spent their 67 minutes for Mandela Day working alongside a local painting crew to make Madiba magic.

“Walking into the newly painted classroom, I could see the excitement on the learner’s faces. It is essential for us as principals and teachers to provide a learning environment that encourages discipline and values; it teaches our learners how to be appreciative and take responsibility,” concluded the school Principal, Mr Syster.

In keeping with Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s commitment to supporting local business and its Asset Based Community Development approach, the five painters were employed from the local community for two days. The teams enjoyed spending their time at the school and the painters were happy to share their expertise and guidance to ensure everything was done well.

“The Mandela Day project was a great success – not only do the learners have a cleaner and more welcoming school, but we were able to provide work to five local painters, which we work alongside. Best of all is that our 67 minutes was spent in honour of Madiba’s spirit and the lessons that he instilled in us as South Africans,” said Jo-Anne Brown, Economic Development Manager at Perdekraal East Wind Farm.

The school furthermore received much needed sports equipment as part of the Mandela Day project, funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm.