Recently, Sanlam marked a significant milestone in educational sustainability by installing water storage tanks at Rebongwe Primary School in Meadowlands East, Soweto. This initiative, part of the company’s Kas’lam community programme, directly addresses a critical challenge faced by many township schools: unreliable water supply, which often disrupts learning. The installation at Rebongwe Primary is the first phase of a larger plan to extend this support to multiple township schools across Gauteng, including planned installations in Mamelodi.
This investment underscores Sanlam’s commitment to building resilient communities across South Africa. It builds on Sanlam’s century-long commitment to empowering and uplifting South African communities. “Water security is educational security,” said Feroza Joosub Executive: Marketing & Client Experience at Sanlam Retail Mass. “When water shortages force schools to close, dreams are put on hold. Through Kas’lam, we’re not just installing water tanks — we’re creating ongoing educational opportunities. We hope to inspire other corporate partners to join us in scaling this initiative across South Africa.”
Water shortages have long disrupted learning and teaching at Rebongwe Primary. With the new water tanks, the school can now maintain consistent operations with minimal interruptions to the academic curriculum, even during times of water scarcity. Principal Tshepo Mngomezulu expressed gratitude, stating, “These tanks are a game-changer. They ensure our learners can continue their education without interruption.”
The benefits extend beyond the classroom. A school food vendor noted how the tanks improve their operations, “Reliable water access enables us to consistently provide meals for learners who rely on our nutrition programme. This support is about sustaining both education and well-being.”
The Kas’lam initiative complements Sanlam’s broader township development work, following the brand’s support of the Soweto Kota Festival and local entrepreneurs. With township economies contributing 5.2% to South Africa’s GDP, the initiative recognises the vital link between education and economic growth. Sanlam is committed to expanding this initiative to more schools in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
This expansion will help thousands more learners access reliable water supplies ensuring uninterrupted education. “The Kas’lam initiative reflects our belief that sustainable community development starts with addressing fundamental needs,” Joosub added. “By securing basic infrastructure, we enable communities to focus on growth and advancement.” As one of Sanlam’s flagship community development initiatives, Kas’lam focuses on sustainable solutions for township communities. Through a combination of infrastructure support and economic empowerment, the programme builds on Sanlam’s century-long commitment to the well-being and progress of South African communities.
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