New kitchen and dining hall brings hope to Searidge Park Primary
Stakeholders and staff stand inside Searidge Park Primary’s refurbished dining hall, handed over by GrandWest and built with support from Breadline Africa.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Mervyn Naidoo, general manager of GrandWest and Gurschzon Conradie, principal of Searidge Park Primary cutting the ribbon to open their refurbished kitchen.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The staff and pupils of Searidge Park Primary School was elated to receive a refurbished kitchen and dining unit.
The R753 000 kitchen and dining unit was funded and officially handed over by a local casino in Goodwood, with Breadline Africa providing the construction and infrastructure expertise. Breadline Africa, a non-profit, builds educational facilities such as kitchens, libraries, toilets, and ECD centres across South Africa.
“Some of our pupils don’t know where their next meal will come from. This new kitchen and dining hall gives them a place of dignity and care,” said Searidge Park Primary School principal Gurschzon Conradie.
Mervyn Naidoo, the casino's general manager, said the project builds on the school’s science lab completed in 2023. “This is what building a legacy is about...We only commit to schools that share our values, and returning to Searidge Park shows that alignment,” he said.
From left are From left are Adrian Kearns, head of Infrastructure for Breadline Africa, Hennie Louw, CEO for Breadline Africa, Gurschzon Conradie, principal of Searidge Park Primary School, Alcino Moses, chairperson school-governing body at Searidge Park Primary School, Jodie Mans, project manager for Breadline Africa and Mervyn Naidoo, general manager of GrandWest.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Mr Conradie said the project had been long overdue. “For years, our pupils ate in cramped and unhygienic spaces. Many come from homes where the next meal is uncertain. This milestone is testimony to the power of collaboration. No teacher can teach a hungry child.”
Adrian Kearns, head of infrastructure at Breadline Africa, said, “GrandWest has walked this journey with us for five years, reaching more than 6 000 children. This is more than a dining hall—it is a place where pupils can eat, gather, and form friendships. Learning is not just about books, but also about moments like these. Our future leaders will come from here.”
Cook Mary Hendricks said: “I’m so glad for our new kitchen and feeding space for all the children. It brings happiness to our hearts, and I’m proud to be part of Searidge Park Primary and grateful to the stakeholders who made this possible.”
The cooks of Searidge Park Primary School Mariam Adams and Mary Hendricks were elated for their new kitchen and dining unit.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Their school choir rendered an their school anthem on Wednesday September 3.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Warren Boonzaier, Metro South education district head at the WCED, said, “Projects like these highlight the power of partnerships. It is heart-warming to see stakeholders ensure pupils are fed. Kudos to you and your school, Mr Conradie.”
Teacher and former pupil Logan Petersen, who coordinates the feeding scheme, said, “A warm meal was a symbol of hope, dignity, and care. This new kitchen allows us to prepare meals more efficiently and safely. Thank you for uplifting our school and community.”