BUSINESS AND TRAINING 27

Leading participants in the South African plumbing industry recently responded to a call for assistance from Claremont Primary to repair its vandalised ablution facilities .

Dutton Plastics continues to help overhaul the ablution facilities of no-fee schools as part of our corporate-social investment initiatives . “ These projects help to restore dignity by providing school learners and staff with access to quality water and sanitation ,” Charlene Joubert , Marketing and Sales Director of Dutton Plastics , says .

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Dutton Plastics , Lecico SA , Plumblink , Comap and Oatey donated various components required to repair and replace the damaged and stolen property . They included 23 basins with taps , traps , and flexi connectors , as well as 23 toilet seats and mechanisms . This is in addition to several cisterns .

Tjeka Training Matters seconded Nomsa Selala , a very competent training facilitator and an assistant , Sibusiso Chanco , to the project at no cost , to repair all the school ’ s ablution facilities . She completed the installation in only five days . This was in time for the reopening of the school following a short break in October .

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“ According to the Bill of Rights ( SA Constitution ), everyone has a right to basic water supply and sanitation services . We are , therefore , proud to have played our small part in improving conditions for the many young learners who are attending classes at Claremont Primary ,” Salala says .

As part of the initiative , Aquaffection also installed an electronic logger and various water savings mechanisms at the school to help the facility conserve water that it sources from a borehole on the property .

Gerrie Brink , Managing Director of Aquaffection , says that these interventions have resulted in a 34 % reduction in demand at the school . This will enable the school to save over 1 million litres annually and contribute towards # SurplusWater2025 .

Brink is the founder of # SurplusWater2025 . It makes Sector Education Training Authority-accredited training on efficiency and behavioural changes available to companies that contributes towards their Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment scorecards . Although this is a direct benefit , it mobilises stakeholders to become involved and excited about participating in water savings .

Meanwhile , the school also upgraded its security to prevent future vandalism and theft of property .

Claremont Primary is a no-fee school that serves more than 500 learners , many of whom reside in a large informal settlement between Claremont and Newclare , in the west of Johannesburg . The school is wholly reliant on funding from government and , therefore , appreciates any donations it receives from the private sector to help it operate at optimal levels and provide quality basic education to learners .

All photos by Dutton Plastics

“ Between 17 and 23 October 2021 , the total demand for the week was 40,198 KL with an average per day of 5,743KL and a peak daily demand of 9,564KL . Before the intervention , the total weekly demand was 60,738KL with an average daily demand of 10,123KL and a peak daily demand of 15,44KL ,” Brink says .

Riana Breytenbach , Claremont Primary ’ s principal , says , “ Many of our learners are growing up in very difficult circumstances . They are certainly not accustomed to this considerate treatment . The school ’ s management , teachers and learners can ’ t find better ways of thanking the companies that participated in this initiative .” PA

February 2022 Volume 27 I Number 12 www . plumbingafrica . co . za