Tronox KZN Sands, a leading global mining company based in Empangeni, has made a meaningful contribution to the local community by donating a much-needed administration block to Engalangala Primary School in Esikhaleni, KwaDube.
The school struggled to build the admin block for years, relying on donations from parents and community members. However, with high unemployment in the area, progress was slow and eventually stopped. Seeing the need, Tronox KZN Sands stepped in to assist, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to community development and upliftment.
While the company is widely known for its work in mining titanium dioxide and other minerals, its vision goes far beyond resource extraction. Tronox has consistently shown that it values the well-being of the communities it operates in. By supporting Engalangala Primary School, the company is helping to create a more effective learning and teaching environment, providing educators with the resources they need and offering learners a more inspiring space to grow.
Speaking to NCR News, Zanele Zungu, Regional Manager for Communities and Corporate Affairs at Tronox, said the company was proud to have contributed to the school. She expressed joy at being able to help create a facility where teachers and learners can focus on their work without unnecessary disruptions. She also extended her gratitude to the school and the Department of Education for their cooperation, adding that she hoped the partnership would continue to grow. According to Zungu, collaboration is key to making a lasting impact in communities. She noted that the school is already doing well, particularly in Mathematics, and expressed confidence that the improved environment would further enhance academic performance. In closing, she reaffirmed Tronox’s dedication to supporting education and ensuring the passion for teaching and learning remains strong.
On behalf of the school, Principal Sijabulile Buthelezi shared her heartfelt appreciation. She described the donation as a dream come true, explaining that they had long sought help from the public to complete the admin block. The lack of funds had made it difficult to finish the original structure, and inadequate facilities created daily challenges for staff and learners. She added that the school is now working to secure a security guard for the premises, a much-needed step to ensure the safety of the new building. Despite the obstacles, Mrs. Buthelezi said the new block has brought hope and motivation, and she believes it will contribute positively to both privacy and the overall teaching and learning experience.
Mbali Shandu, Chairperson of the School Governing Body, also shared her appreciation. As a community member, she emphasized how much the donation meant to everyone involved. She explained that the old admin block was in poor condition and that although the community had tried to assist, it was not easy without sufficient resources. She praised Tronox’s generosity, saying the company had made history with this gesture. Shandu also acknowledged the efforts of former SGB members who initiated the support request, saying their persistence laid the foundation for the success they are now celebrating.
Through this donation, Tronox has not only improved school infrastructure but has also given the community a renewed sense of hope. It is a powerful reminder of how partnerships between private companies and public institutions can help build a brighter future—one classroom at a time.
