Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron, has committed R403 000 towards the South African Medical and Education (SAME) Foundation’s initiative to develop a world-class computer laboratory for Altmont Technical High School.
This donation is part of the stolen vehicle tracking and recovery company’s pledge towards Mandela Day, which took place on July 18.
Netstar MD Pierre Bruwer said: “This donation will not only assist in developing the students’ skills but also assist in the development of the community, as the upskilling of youth will lead to a reduction in crime and poverty. Nelson Mandela believed that education is the most powerful weapon with which one can change the world and Netstar is proud to invest in education.”
Netstar’s donation included internet communication technology hardware and high-end Wi-Fi technology.
The SAME Foundation is an award-winning national NPO-PBO that undertakes high-impact community development projects for beneficiaries such as Altmont Technical High School which is situated in the informal settlement of Protea South, Soweto. The school is classified as a Quintile 1 no-fee paying school, meaning it serves an extremely poor community.
“We are humbled by Netstar’s donation which is an investment in this community and in the future of our youth,” said Tyrone Pols, spokesperson of the SAME Foundation.
Despite Altmont school’s limited infrastructure and resources over the past five years, the average grade 12 pass rate has been 80%.
“Netstar will always be driven by a need to better connect and to better protect South Africans. We wanted this to be a memorable Mandela Day for Altmont Technical High School. The youth are the future of SA and we want to support them on their journey in making this country realise its immense potential,” Bruwer said.