DRIVING SUCCESS
In a month where hearts beat louder and kindness flows a little deeper, love found a powerful expression in Kagiso – Mandisa Shiceka Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation.
February, a month dedicated to affection, compassion and shared humanity, became even more meaningful when leading closed-access fibre network operator (FNO), Net Nine Nine, donated a vehicle to Mandisa Shiceka School of Specialisation.
This is a gesture that went beyond charity and spoke directly to the heart of community upliftment.
Under the cloudy but warm Kagiso weather, learners, teachers, parents and community leaders gathered in celebration of the car donated to the school.
DANCING THEIR WAY TO A DRIVING CLASS!
There was music with learners dancing to the latest Amapiano tunes, applause and an overwhelming sense that something special was unfolding, and it was not just about handing over a car but over opportunity.
In a way, Net Nine Nine was telling the people of Kagiso, the heartbeat of Net99, saying, “We see you. We believe in you. We care.”
Mandisa Shiceka School of Specialisation, nestled in the heart of Kagiso, has long been known for going the extra mile for its learners, with many developments at the school, and now driving has been roped into their plans for the year.
Among its many empowering programs are extra classes focused on K53 and South African road rules.
The school has equipped learners with knowledge of responsible driving, road safety and traffic regulations – preparing them not just for a test, but for life.
HEARTBEAT OF LOVE HITS MANDISA SHICEKA SOS!
Yet, while theory lessons thrived, practical exposure remained a challenge. The donation of a vehicle now bridges that gap.
It transforms textbooks into steering wheels and classroom lessons into real-life skills. It turns dreams of mobility into tangible reality.
The handover ceremony carried the unmistakable theme of love — love in action was led by Net99 Chief Operations Executive Andrew Cohoe and Head of Marketing Richard Genlloud.
Addressing learners at the parking lot where their new baby vehicle was parked, the school principal, Mkhulu David Skosana, with visible emotion, described the donation as a historic milestone for the institution.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Net99, emphasising how the vehicle would strengthen the school’s programs and empower learners with practical driving experience, followed by loud cheers and clapping from vociferous learners.
Äs a school of specialisation, we have a mandate to implement a multi certification, which simply means we cannot have learners for five years at the school from Garde 8-12 only to exit with just one matric certificate,” said Skosana while having a feel of the new wheels.
‘THIS MADE POSSIBLE BY PARTNERSHIP WITH NET99’
“We have adopted a K53 program where we teach and prepare learners for their drivers learners licence (conducted by the road traffic department). We cannot achieve such a strategic milestone without partners like Net99 because as a school we have limited resources. Net99 has come in very handy.’
In a way, this is more than just a car, as it is hope on four wheels.
This has brought about confidence for learners, teachers, parents and the school controlling body – independence for their future.
“Today, our K53 teaching passion has been met with love from Net99. This car will enable the school to train more than 120 learners a year. Not only are we focussed on academia but skill too, empower them for the future. We are proud of our productive relationship with Net99,” added Skosana
The District Manager Matome David Mokgobanama highlighted how many learners come from households where access to a vehicle is limited, making it difficult to gain practical driving exposure.
The donation, he explained, levels the playing field and ensures that learners are not disadvantaged when pursuing their learner’s and driver’s licences.
He further praised the collaboration between the private sector and education institutions: “This year we plan on assisting this school a lot on matters of improving their matric results. As a district, we will be helping by securing relevant study camps for Grade 12s.
“What we are witnessing today is love expressed through investment in young people. This vehicle will help shape responsible drivers, future professionals and confident citizens. It speaks to the power of partnership.”
