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It was not a case of pulp fiction but rather manna from heaven when paper producer Sappi made a generous donation which helped to restore the derelict Inanda Seminary.
Sappi pumped R2-million for refurbishment of the seminary, established by the American Board Mission in 1869 as a ”Christian boarding school for Zulu girls” in Inanda, north of Durban.
The school has produced a number of leaders active in public service, including Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the Minister of Health.
”We are honoured to be part of this project,” said Sappi executive chairman Eugene van As, during the ceremony. ”The seminary has produced many of South Africa’s leaders and we believe it is crucial to continue investing in centres of excellence to create leaders for the future.”
The Inanda Seminary has 240 students, and over the 132 years of its existence more than 8 000 girls have graduated from the school. The school offers an academic development pragramme that covers studies in technology, science, languages and humanities.
Van As also announced the formation of a maintenance trust fund to ensure that funds will be available to the Inanda Seminary for ongoing maintenance of the school’s infrastructure. He also committed Sappi to a R1-million contribution to support the board’s alumni to provide an outreach drive for the Inanda community.
”We are eternally grateful to Sappi for taking the lead on this project and to all the other sponsors who contributed in various ways,” said Sibongile Sangweni, chairperson of the board of governors of the Inanda Seminary. ”They have empowered us to continue providing excellent academic education for our girls and to help our learners emerge as strong, powerful leaders in our country.”
Other contributors to the project included main contractors Grinaker, Corobrik and KwaZulu Roofing. Other sponsors include Engen, Real Landscapes, Marine Electrical, Maxi Clean and Pests Specialists.
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, August 2001.
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