Threatened health issues and interrupted studies are a thing of the past for a Chatsworth-based
technical high school after a R155 000 borehole was sunk recently, ensuring a regular supply of
potable water and the prospect of introducing irrigated vegetable gardens.
The borehole installation came courtesy of the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT).
Speaking at the recent hand-over of the operational borehole at Meadowlands Technical High
School, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaf Osman said: “Water is the font of all life and potable water is
critical to human well-being. This is especially important with regard to the provision of water to
large entities and institutions, such as schools. Water is a critical resource in maintaining the steady
flow of operations. Without it, toilet facilities quickly become unusable and pose a serious health
risk, with the potential for spreading disease. A daily intake of water is vital for regulating our bodies,
maintaining a normal temperature and preventing dehydration which can cause unclear thinking
and mood swings.”
He added that this indicated the importance of a regular water supply to a school, facilitating the
education of hundreds of learners.
“Unfortunately, we live in a country where infrastructure, such as the water reticulation system, is
aged and has not received the maintenance and upgrades necessary to guarantee constant
provision. A pertinent case in point is South Africa’s dysfunctional electricity supply. But it’s not just
about Eskom. Water supply in many regions is equally susceptible to unplanned cuts. These
interruptions have serious repercussions for communities and, critically, businesses and other
institutions, inclusive of educational facilities,” said Mr Osman.
The 53-year-old Meadowlands Technical High School, here in Montford, is a highly sought-after
facility, serving Chatsworth and its surrounds, because it is the only technical high school in the area
which offers a combination of academic, technical, consumer studies, maritime and tourism
subjects. It draws significant numbers of disadvantaged learners from Chatsworth, Mariannridge,
Demat, Welbedacht, KwaNdengezi, Pinetown, central Durban and Umlazi.
Mr Osman said: “This is a large school, but is one frequently affected by interruptions to water
supplies. This has had a devastating effect on the school’s learners, including the curtailing of tuition,
the inability to properly follow COVID-19 safety protocols and even leads to school closure because
of the health risk associated lack of water. Learners are not the only people affected. The teaching
staff has become increasingly stressed in attempting to complete the syllabi in an increasingly
shorter time-frame, due to time lost as a consequence of water supply issues.”
“Many institutions are seeking alternative methods to circumvent constant water disruptions. This
school is just such a body. However, not only was it looking to ensure a regular supply of water –
especially as regards its ablution needs – it was also aiming to implement a vegetable garden and an
aqua-phonics prototype system at the school. The idea was for learners to participate and be paid in
terms of their produce, as a means of offsetting their school fees. What an exceptional idea; and one
which will also assist in reducing hunger in the region.”
He said that the answer lay in drilling a borehole, but that the school’s scheme had – until now –
been thwarted by severe financial constraints.
“Hearing about the school’s problem and innovative solution and the value-add of a vegetable
garden idea, the South African Muslim Charitable Trust immediately opted to intervene, providing
R155 000 for the drilling and installation of a borehole here. Water problem solved and – on top of
that – there is every possibility of expanding the vegetable garden idea to a piece of vacant land,
enabling the additional provision of produce for use in the school’s consumer studies classes,” he
said.
The SAMCT, created in 2008, was specifically established to provide funding, services and other
resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. In this
regard, it has successfully delivered significant solutions throughout the country, irrespective of race
or religion and works to support needy organisations in the fields of health, social development,
poverty alleviation and education.
“In view of this, our organisation was delighted to become involved in providing an alternative water
solution to a school so determined not to allow its learners and staff to be compromised by a service
problem beyond its control. The school is to be commended, too, for considering the bigger picture,
seeking to implement a local vegetable-growing project which will, ultimately, assist the learners and
the school financially, whilst simultaneously making a positive humanitarian impact, helping to curb
hunger in the wider area,” Mr Osman said.
He concluded: “I wish the school and everyone associated with it every success with the garden
project – and its irrigation via the borehole – and trust that teachers and learners will now be able to
complete the syllabus uninterrupted.”
For more information about SAMCT or its Meadowlands Technical High School borehole donation,
please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za