Thanks to a generous donation from the Motsepe Foundation, Pefferville Primary School has finally been able to open a fully equipped media centre worth R320,000.
The media centre includes a computer lab with 16 laptops, a sound protector and a library.
Speaking at its official opening on Friday, principal George Plaatjies said it was the perfect way to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
“This is going to uplift the community. Our assignment is clear, despite the struggles of life, we will rise and continue improving the lives of our pupils,” he said.
Plaatjies said the media centre would benefit all 1,369 pupils at the school, especially with subjects such as natural science, technology and mathematics.
Executive mayor Princess Faku, who was present to cut the ribbon and officially open the media centre, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, which benefitted pupils and communities.
“Pefferville is a school that many do not notice but it is a school that changes the lives of many.
“The Motsepe Foundation has been our partner for many years, and we will continue to identify the community of Pefferville to assist further with toys for Christmas.
“The SAPS will be very hands-on in taking care of this media centre, but it is not only the SAPS’s responsibility but also learners, teachers and parents,” said Faku.
In 2023, the Go & Express reported that the school had been hit by ongoing burglaries and vandalism, with R700,000 worth of equipment stolen.
Plaatjies shared some of the security measures the school had undertaken to protect the media centre’s new equipment. “Security is a very big priority for us.
“All the laptops are removed from the media centre at the end of the day and placed in a locked room.
“We have 24-hour security surveillance services at the school funded by EPWP and the SGB.
“We will be installing two extra security cameras inside the building and two cameras outside.
“We are also hoping to get electrified fencing but we also must think about the safety of the children because what if someone forgets to switch them off? We are still waiting to get permission from the department.”
