BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
HLANE – Eswatini Sugar and ED&F Man Sugar have officially handed over three newly renovated classrooms at Dlalilsile National Primary School in Hlane, under Dvokodvweni Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region, following a major renovation project valued at E281 337.87.
The event took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The initiative has transformed once dilapidated classrooms into bright and welcoming learning spaces for the school’s pupils.
Head teacher Maria Simelane expressed heartfelt gratitude, recalling that before the renovations, the classrooms had cracked floors, peeling paint, and dark, stained walls that made learning difficult. She said the sponsors’ contribution has given learners “safe, bright, and comfortable classrooms” that promote effective learning and inspire “a renewed sense of pride and motivation” among both students and teachers.
The project was implemented in partnership with MicroProjects and Shoka Construction, who provided technical and construction support to ensure quality and timely completion.
Sugar Partners Link Trade to Community Well being
Dan Pollock from ED&F Man Sugar, explained that the company’s involvement reflects its core philosophy: “Understand where the sugar comes from, understand the community, and try to help the community.”
He added that this project the company’s first of its kind with Eswatini Sugar is hoped to be “the first of many” initiatives aimed at improving education and empowering sugar producing communities.
Samuel Magagula, speaking on behalf of the Inkhundla, thanked the sugar partners for their generosity, emphasizing that the school serves an underprivileged population and that such support “goes a very long way.” He noted that the improved classrooms have restored dignity to the school and allowed teachers to reintroduce learning materials that had been stored away due to poor conditions.
Appeal for Continued Support
Despite the milestone, Headteacher Simelane appealed for further assistance, noting that several other classrooms remain in a deteriorated condition, with cracked walls and damaged floors requiring urgent attention.
Magagula echoed the call, highlighting the absence of teachers’ quarters, a challenge that forces educators to travel long distances from areas such as Kigonye, affecting attendance and consistency.
Both expressed hope that the success of this project will inspire the sugar partners and other stakeholders to continue supporting the school and addressing its remaining needs.
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Courtesy Pic)
