Thungela has completed the roll out of a series of first aid training across 45 no-fee schools in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts, in Mpumalanga, as part of the Education Initiative launched in 2024. This 5-year initiative is in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, and aims to enhance school readiness, literacy and numeracy, while elevating the skills of educators and school management teams and providing psychosocial support. In addition, the initiative also seeks to address infrastructure challenges.

A baseline assessment conducted before the initiative was launched identified challenges such as inadequate sick bay necessities at schools and lack of first aid training for educators. The training programme, which includes certification, ensures that the educators and school management representatives are equipped with the skills to effectively manage medical emergencies during school hours.

Mpumi Sithole, Executive head of corporate affairs, said: "Safety is our first value, and it is essential that we extend this commitment beyond our operations to the communities where we operate. It is also our firm belief that education and safety are interconnected pillars of community development. Through partnerships with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Netcare Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care (FECC), and Highveld Hospital, we provided the accredited first-aid training. The baseline assessment we conducted informed the need for essential medical resources to empower schools to become self-reliant in handling emergency response during learning.”

Thungela’s investment covered a two-day certified first-aid training for 140 school representatives, conducted by the FECC. All learners and school management representatives who were trained will receive Accredited Level 1 First Aid Certification. Every school also received first-aid kits, with a few others receiving high-low beds, side lockers, duvet covers, fitted sheets, and cardiac tables for their sick bays.

The Mpumalanga Department of Education has welcomed this initiative as a meaningful step towards enhancing school safety and preparedness at schools. “Ensuring that our schools are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to respond to emergencies is crucial. This initiative demonstrates a practical and impactful approach to supporting our education system and promoting learner well-being,” said Mr Masilela, Chief education specialist, Nkangala district.

Thungela’s commitment to education and safety is aligned to its Socio-Economic Development (SED) goals of improving access to quality education and skills development.