SCHOOLS IN SOUTH AFRICA: EDUCATION AS THE KEY TO THE FUTURE
The focus of the Umckaloabo Foundation’s activities is in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the region which is home to the Capeland geranium that is used to manufacture the product Umckaloabo®. Having this tie to the Eastern Cape is what inspired the Foundation to work on behalf of greater educational opportunities in this structurally disadvantaged region.
In Whittlesea, a semi-rural town in the Eastern Cape, we have generated living proof of how sustainable support can make changes. For years, the Umckaloabo Foundation has accompanied and funded educational initiatives. Today we can see how our commitment is bearing fruit.
NEW CLASSROOMS FOR THE EKUPHUMLENI SECONDARY SCHOOL
One excellent example is the Ekuphumleni Secondary School. In 2025 the school was able to dedicate five new classrooms which were built with the support of the Umckaloabo Foundation. The facilities had to be completely rebuilt after some of the rooms were destroyed by arson, and the need also arose for subject-specific classrooms. So far, 11 of the total 20 classrooms were financed by the Foundation – a major contribution towards improving learning conditions. Further classrooms will be renovated soon.
The current principal, Mzi Mdlangu, works with his dedicated taff to continue the visionary work of his predecessor Lizwe Ngalo, who died of COVID-19 in 2020. They uphold his legacy to create a positive learning environment and motivate the students to perform at top levels.
With a graduation rate of 83%, the percentage of children who complete their schooling is higher than the national average. And around 70% of the over 1400 students at Ekuphumleni Secondary School go to college after graduating.
SUPPORT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS – SMALL MEASURES WITH BIG EFFECTS
The Umckaloabo Foundation is also active when it comes to elementary education. With the help of the Africa Runners in 2024, we supported five elementary schools in the Whittlesea region. These schools form the groundwork for further education; the majority of their students will later attend Ekuphumleni Secondary School.
The measures we accomplished include renovating the schools’ roofing, building new water pipes and toilets, acquiring materials for teaching natural sciences, and buying books for school libraries. Even comparatively small investments here allow us to achieve great improvements for future generations at the Ekuphumleni Secondary School.
EDUCATION AS A BEACON OF HOPE
The South African educational system still faces massive challenges. It takes major effort to provide good schooling for young people, especially in rural areas such as the Eastern Cape which have little infrastructure and few financial means. The Umckaloabo Foundation will continue to remain involved in this region in the future — together with our project partner, the Samara Foundation.