SA Hope donation gives Tafelsig pupils a digital edge
Tafelsig Primary School pupil Mickayla Joseph said she was “very excited” about the new lab.
Image: Marsha Bothma
For the pupils of Tafelsig Primary School, the future just became brighter - and a lot more digital.
On Thursday, November 27, SA Hope, a non-profit organisation active across several provinces in South Africa, donated a fully equipped computer lab to the school, giving pupils the tools to become tech-savvy and even compete in digital competitions.
“This donation will help our pupils not only gain essential digital skills but also participate in competitions they previously couldn’t access,” said principal Ruth Jonas.
“An empty classroom was transformed into a fully equipped lab with computers, accessories, and a fresh coat of paint. We are not just changing one pupil; we are changing a nation. Pupils will be confident and tech-ready. This lab will benefit generations of pupils,” she said.
Ruth Jonas, principal of Tafelsig Primary and Johnny Zhuang director of SA Hope in the new lab on Thursday November 27.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The school was identified for the donation by provincial and local police, who partnered with SA Hope and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Ms Jonas said: “We are also grateful to the police for their presence and visibility. These computers are so needed. Police aren’t only here for crime prevention; they also support education. We are truly blessed.”
This is Tafelsig Primary’s second computer lab. The first was donated by Run4Schools, a non-profit organisation that supports schools through sports, arts, and technology programs.
On Thursday November 27, SA Hope, a nonprofit organisation active across several provinces in South Africa, donated a fully equipped computer lab to the school, giving pupils the tools to become tech-savvy.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Gift Matsheka, director programme coordinator for SA Hope, said the computer lab initiative began in Cape Town and is now expanding across South Africa.
“Our wish is to see these pupils grow as computer-literate individuals. There are many IT specialists in the province, and we want to inspire the next generation to follow that path,” Mr Matsheka said.
The school choir contributed to the celebration, performing the Tafelsig anthem written by Jareth Williams, music coach from Run4Schools.
Ward 92 councillor Norman Adonis said the community was fortunate.
“In the last six months, three spheres of government have engaged with this ward. This school is where my foundation was laid, and I am honoured to serve as councillor,” he said.
Pupils were thrilled with the donation. Mickayla Joseph said she was “very excited” about the new lab, while Grade 5 pupil Tyran Nopanwa said: “It’s good to see this hope in our school. We can now compete and learn more.”