Safmarine, Capespan donate shipping containers for classrooms

Luke Ramsey (Safmarine's Southern Africa Business Performance, PR and CSR manager) and Ansonette van der Merwe (Capespan foundation manager, left back) share in the celebrations at the official handover of the two container classrooms.

Two years ago, shipping line Safmarine and fruit exporter Capespan, a Safmarine customer for more than 30 years, identified the need to provide the Agter-Witzenberg community with a facility that would give parents working on fruit farms in the area the peace of mind that their young pre-school children were receiving the necessary educational support and care.

One of the most effective ways to alleviate poverty

Speaking at the handover of the classrooms, Safmarine southern Africa cluster manager, Dirk Hoffmann, told the Agter-Witzenberg community: "Safmarine shares your passion for developing this community by investing in the education of your children and it is our honour and our privilege to contribute towards a facility which will be used to nurture young minds.

"Education is without a doubt one of the most effective ways to alleviate poverty, unemployment and achieve social and economic equity in South Africa and we encourage you to continue your commitment to educating your youths."

According to Capespan Foundation manager, Ansonette van der Merwe: "The Capespan Foundation is committed to investing in corporate social development initiatives that not only provide an environment suitable for alleviating social challenges in our communities, but which also offer solutions that integrate the needs of all community stakeholders in fruit production."

Safmarine donated the two 12-metre reefer (refrigerated) containers, which were converted into classrooms with the help of Cool Maintenance and award-winning industrial designer and architect, Y Tsai of Tsai Design Studio.

The two new classrooms, which were officially opened at the end of March 2013, are able to accommodate approximately 40 pre-school children.