Gqeberha – In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Isuzu Motors South Africa (ISUZU), in collaboration with humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers and the ELMA Relief Foundation, has officially handed over a fully refurbished St Albans Primary School. This initiative underscores ISUZU’s long-term commitment to education and community upliftment, transforming learning conditions for the school’s 407 learners and 10 educators.
A Commitment to Lasting Change
Since adopting St Albans Primary School in 2022, ISUZU has embarked on several impactful projects to enhance the educational experience. The partnership commenced with the installation of an industrial borehole and water harvesting tanks, ensuring a reliable supply of clean drinking water for both the school and the surrounding community.
In 2023, ISUZU reaffirmed its pledge to educational development by marking Mandela Day with a R1.2 million commitment to critical refurbishments. Addressing key infrastructure challenges, the initiative focused on repairing broken windows and doors, refurbishing dilapidated classrooms, and resolving long-standing electrical issues. Today, that commitment has come to fruition with Gift of the Givers successfully completing the renovation, which included tiling, painting, and the installation of electricity.
Voices of Impact
During the official handover event, ISUZU’s Vice President: Planning, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Celestin Ndhlovu, highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering an environment where learners can thrive.
“Education is the foundation for our future, and it is our collective responsibility to create environments that enable learners to succeed. Through this partnership, we are not only improving facilities but also fostering hope and opportunity for the children of St Albans Primary School,” said Ndhlovu.
Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, praised the collaborative effort and its impact on the broader community.
“This project reflects the power of collaboration. Ensuring access to quality education and a safe learning environment is a key step in breaking the cycle of poverty. ISUZU has also played a major role in mitigating the ongoing water crisis in the Eastern Cape by providing us with four water tankers to deliver millions of litres of water to schools, clinics, hospitals, businesses, and communities across the province. We are proud to work alongside ISUZU to create meaningful change.”
For St Albans Primary School Principal, Mercy Felix, the newly refurbished facility represents a fresh start and a brighter future for the students.
“Today, as we walk through these transformed hallways and classrooms, we feel a renewed sense of pride and motivation. What was once a vision has now become a reality – a beautiful, modern, and inspiring learning environment that will benefit generations of learners to come.”
A Model for Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond Gift of the Givers, other stakeholders, including the ELMA Relief Foundation and local businesses, have played a vital role in bringing this initiative to life. Their collective efforts reinforce the importance of partnerships in addressing socio-economic challenges.
As ISUZU continues to champion community-driven projects, the St Albans Primary School refurbishment stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to education and social development. By investing in infrastructure, sustainability, and long-term solutions, ISUZU is not just building vehicles—it is building brighter futures.
