GM dealership donates two classrooms

Mike Hall-Jones (left), Key Pietermaritzburg MD and Colin Cowie, chairman of the GM Childlife Foundation look on as Gishma Johnson GMSA corporate communications manager and school principal Selby Madlala reveal the plaque. With them is Grace College principal, Vincent Luksich (right)

The donation was made possible by the General Motors Childlife Foundation and the classrooms were officially handed over to the school on Friday, 23 January 2015.

Principal Selby Madlala said enrolments had mushroomed to more than 1,100 last year, putting a tight squeeze on space for learners and teachers. "We are in dire need of these classrooms. The Key Group's assistance really means a lot to the school," Madlala said.

Supporting children

The R400,000 project was funded by the GM Childlife Foundation, an initiative of General Motors South Africa (GMSA) and its dealer network. The manufacturer and its more than 130 dealers across South Africa contribute to the Foundation for every vehicle sold, resulting in over R12m in support to more than 10,000 children and 54 projects countrywide since 2010.

Key Pietermaritzburg managing director Mike Hall-Jones said the donation was part of the dealership's wider corporate social responsibility programme. In addition to social outreach and mental health, the Key Group supports three rural schools with maths development, teaching resources and training through the Masihambisane outreach programme of Grace College in Hilton.

"By partnering with Grace College's outreach programme, we are ensuring direct delivery of effort and funding to children in disadvantaged communities where it is most needed," Hall-Jones said.