Learners atending a Phoenix, Durban, primary school who have long run the risk of illness, the result
of being exposed to sun and rain while standing waiting for their transport can now shelter
comfortably on seating under an awning, thanks to a R293 000 donation by the South African Muslim
Charitable Trust (SAMCT).
SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman, said of the seating and awning donation to Esselen Heights
Primary School: “Continual exposure to the sun can cause fever, body aches, nausea and vomiting,
whilst becoming soaking wet in the rain can lead to an increased risk of illness in children.”
The school’s learners are drawn from Phoenix and the surrounding areas of Inanda, KwaMashu,
Amouti, Bester and Ntuzuma, with most having to wait for public transport atier school each day, a
situation which has posed both a health and safety issue.
“In the past children have been forced to wait outside the school gates, totally exposed to the
elements, while they wait a considerable length of time for their taxis to collect them. The
installation of covered seating now ensures both their protection from the weather and their safety,”
added Mr. Gaff Osman.
The school has been aware of the double challenge faced by its learners, but has been helpless to act
because of severe financial constraints. That all changed when the SAMCT stepped in to assist.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al
Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The
organisation provides funding, services and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the
vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable
assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work
to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation
and education.
Mr Gaff Osman said: “Hearing of the learner’s plight and the school’s concern for its young learners,
the SAMCT was quick to offer assistance with the R293 000 sponsorship of a covered seating area
close to the school gates. We believe the advent of safe seating at the school will give both school
and learners a greater sense of security and ensure absenteeism through illness is significantly
reduced into the future.”