KNYSNA NEWS - It was evident on Tuesday, February 15 that educators at Percy Mdala High School were very happy to have received much-needed books to the value of R40 000 from Via Afrika Publishers.

Four-hundred and thirty books were donated to the school, including Afrikaans, English and Xhosa novels and Grade 10 and 12 text books. Apart from the books, Via Afrika Publishers also donated rulers and pencils to the learners, and memory sticks and caps to the teachers of Percy Mdala High School.

Johan Smith, national marketing manager of Via Afrika Publishers said that the publishing house was approached by Deputy Minister of Education Enver Surty, to ask the company whether it could assist the school as it had a shortage of reading materials.
Smith further said that the decision to help the school also forms part of the social responsibility initiatives the publishing company manages.

"I know a teacher cannot do anything without resources. I hope the books will help the children of Knysna," said Smith.
As the hand-over ceremony neared its end the teachers sang a song of praise and thanks to Via Afrika Publishers’ representatives.

Busang Seakgoe, chief register clerk and representative of the deputy minister of Education said: "We are thankful for what Via Afrika Publishers has done in helping the school. We do not only do things for our own benefit or the children’s, but also for the benefit of society."

The school’s librarian, Wilma Wardale said: "I have a great passion for books and so do our learners. Thank you so much, Via Afrika Publishers, for the valuable donation. This will add value to the children’s lives."

Nicholas Njozela, principal of Percy Mdala High School concluded, "We are really grateful. We are on top of the mountain about this, because knowledge is power. Thank you, Via Afrika Publishers, for ploughing something positive back into the community and for investing in our learners’ future. Bravo! I hope that other people will follow the example you have set at our school."


Principal of Percy Mdala High School, Nicholas Njozela (middle) thanks Via Afrika Publishers’ national marketing manager, John Smith (right) as he receives books donated to the school. With them is the school’s deputy principal, David Sani (left).