94.7 Highveld Stereo goes to school on Mandela Day

"Education is a core focus for the station. With regard to community development, we have managed to marry Madiba's plea of 67 minutes and our presenters' commitment to create a sustainable future for the youth of our country," said Ravi Naidoo, programming manager.

Kitchens, cricket, trees, copier

One such school is Mokgome Secondary situated in Soweto, south of Johannesburg. Daily, the staff feed 900 of their current learners in a kitchen that is sorely lacking in basic utensils, appliances and supplies. Samantha Cowen, presenter of the Breakfast Xpress will be spending her 67 minutes plus at the school where she will be delivering much needed appliances such as a freezer, a fridge and cooking utensils that were donated by listeners. Dulux South Africa has also committed to providing paint for the kitchen.

The Breakfast Xpress's Darren Simpson will be visiting Lodirile High School in Krugersdorp. Having a high academic and sport record, the school needed cricket nets as well as cricket equipment so that its budding cricket team could practice in the safety of the schools grounds. These needs have been met as the station received support from the public at large. The Bizhub Highveld Lions have confirmed its support of this initiative and the team will be spending their 67 minutes hosting a coaching clinic and session.

Afternoon drive show host Anele Mdoda, will be spending her time at Ibhongo Secondary School, where 1200 students are assigned to 34 educators. A complete library upgrade will be taking place on Madiba Day. Anele has also rallied the support of Audi South Africa to donate books and library resources for the learners.

Presenter Pabi Moloi has identified Hulwazi Secondary School in Daveyton as her adopted school for the activation. At 10am today, Wednesday 18 July, she dedicated her 67 minutes toward assisting with planting trees and creating a garden area. New picnic tables and benches have also been provided for the designated Matric area. Tasha's will serve lunch to the students.

Bongani Nxumalo, co-host of the Breakfast Xpress will be heading out to Alexandra Secondary School on Mandela Day. Sorely lacking in funds, their plea has been to provide a much-needed photocopier for the staffroom and essential shelving and cupboards for classrooms. Office Plan and Nashua North East have met these requests. Joburg City Parks have also donated plants, which Bongani will be using to create a sustainable veggie garden.

Singing happy birthday

Presenters will adopt the schools beyond Mandela Day. The Lead SA Mandela Day School Project will see 22 schools in Gauteng and the Western Cape getting much needed assistance.

Lead SA has also announced the call on countries the world over to participate in singing Happy Birthday to Madiba today.