#MandelaMonth: 67 minutes for quality education

Unveiling the new library are from left: Pamela Mbusi, district education officer from the Department of Education; Thomas Matthews, school principal; and Gishma Johnson, GMSA’s corporate communications and PR manager.

As the beneficiary of the company's 2016 Adopt-a-School programme, Adolph Schauder Primary School was abuzz with 67 Minutes for Mandela activities. GMSA executives, employees and retirees rolled up their sleeves to unveil new facilities whilst also serving a cup of soup and teaching Grade Rs arts and crafts. The school now boasts a new library stocked with books donated by Oxford Books and GMSA employees, a vegetable garden cultivated by GMSA's retirees and refurbished ablution facilities.

GMSA corporate communications and PR manager, Gishma Johnson, said the company's corporate social responsibility is aimed at sustainable projects that improve the quality of education. "67 Minutes for Mandela gave us an opportunity to involve our employees and their families in the projects and to witness the initiatives already undertaken by the company in the school. This year so far more than 100 employees and their families generously volunteered their time at the school," said Johnson.

Adolph Schauder Primary School principal, Thomas Matthews, said the school community was extremely grateful for having been adopted by GMSA this year. "The renovations and improvements instill a sense of value and pride into our learners and teachers," said Matthews.

In addition to initiatives at the school GMSA also donated 67 blankets to Missionvale Care Centre and 120 soccer balls to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's United in Sport Mandela Day project.