Rising Sun Online | March 10, 2025
The six top achievers each received their laptops, and cash donations and other stationery items are from Impocabrung Lutan Dombasa, Ziyanda Ndlovu and Sandisiwe Ngcobo, Senzokuhle Makhanya, Senzokuhle Makhanya, Stanger South Gumede and Neliswa Ndlovugvile.
Thanks to Sappi's impactful “Back to School” paper donations and the Matrix Excellence Campaign, I've returned to school this year for many of Sappi's neighbourhood schools in the Ilembe region of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Reaffirming its commitment to education as a catalyst for long-term growth, Sappi has once again provided important educational resources to schools within and around the community adjacent to Stanger and Tugela Mills.
Between the two areas, the company distributed 18 tons of much-needed Sappi Typek paper. This translates to 1, 680 boxes, or 6, 400 spins in recent handover events held at schools and factories.
The initiative eased the burden of purchase papers for the 52 schools that received these donations, and benefited thousands of students who now have access to other important educational support and tools.
These phones form part of a larger nationally-wide initiative aimed at the Sappi community, adjacent to manufacturing and forestry sites. In total, the company plans to provide 72 tons of paper, or 6,000 boxes or 30,000 reams, to nearby schools through the campaign.
The initiative is full of extensive enthusiasm from teachers, students and community stakeholders. All acknowledge the important role Sappi plays in narrowing down education disparities and fostering social change by continuing investment in youth development. Sappy not only addresses immediate academic needs, but also promotes a culture of excellence, innovation and opportunity.
Speaking at the event, Mandeni Mayor Cllr Thabani Mdlarose commented: We praise them, thank them for what they are doing for our youth and look forward to continuing collaborations in the future. ”
Sappi goes a step further and recognizes academic excellence by awarding six highly achieved matrix formulations of laptop starter packs as they transition to university. These technology-driven resources serve as bridges to higher education, allowing students to embrace the digital age with confidence and ability as they shape their future.
Education remains in line with a comprehensive vision of sustainability, empowerment and socioeconomic progress as the strategic pillar of Sappy's social impact strategy. Through these interventions, Sappi actively builds capacity within the community, unlocking the potential of future leaders, which encourages progress wherever they matter.
“This initiative is more than a donation, it's a bold intention, a powerful demonstration of Sappi's unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. When communities are empowered through education, it creates lasting impact and leads to prosperity for generations,” said Beryl Traore, Sappi South Africa's Social Influence Leader.
Made with Kwazulu-Natal's Sappi Stanger Mill, Typek paper is famous as an excellent quality A4 office paper known for its brightness and printability. Not only is it renewable and recyclable, it is unique in that bagasse (sugarcane waste) is used in the production process.
This high-quality product embodies Sappi's commitment to environmental sustainability, working with Sappi's commitment to meaningful social impact by supporting Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) striving for quality education.
The six top achievers each received their laptops, and cash donations and other stationery items are from Impocabrung Lutan Dombasa, Ziyanda Ndlovu and Sandisiwe Ngcobo, Senzokuhle Makhanya, Senzokuhle Makhanya, Stanger South Gumede and Neliswa Ndlovugvile.
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
