"In line with Software AG's corporate social responsibility and the concept of Mandela 94+ Schools Project, we seek to inspire change by making every day a Mandela day," says Software AG corporate social investment director Ike Kunene. "We have partnered with Lead SA and Talk Radio 702 to adopt Batsogile Primary School in Soweto. Through this initiative, we are committed to mobilising resources that will contribute to transforming the Batsogile Primary School learning environment.
"The golf day was a huge success. We raised R90 000 for the school via a charity auction and golf bag raffle. The company auctioned off three main items, a Mohammed Ali signed boxing glove, a Manchester United jersey, and a framed photograph of Nelson Mandela. The evening function was well attended by more than 100 top business people and public sector organisations," Kunene says.
Batsogile is a no-fees school and many children don't have the luxury of breakfast in the morning, so the school runs a kitchen to feed them. Software AG's staff were out in force on the recent Mandela Day and made a first impact on cleaning, painting and repairing the school buildings. This small school turns 40 this year, and is in need of a new ablution block, paving in the quad, plumbing in the kitchen and an upgrade of the staff room.
"As sole sponsor of Batsogile, we are committed to an environment where learners and educators can thrive, and we are looking at first improving infrastructure and then seeing to other needs as they become more apparent over the next couple of years. We have committed to a two-year backing for a media centre assistant, general community upliftment and to raising funds at our golf day. The golf day is part of our plan to show our customers, staff and the school's staff what we are planning for the school and how each of us can play a role. We are most grateful to our customers and partners for their generous contributions at the golf day," Kunene concludes.
