Community
Kinross Mission School
KINROSS MISSION SCHOOL KMS
There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.
NELSON MANDELA
BRAND NEW SCHOOL FOR THE UNDER PRIVILEGED
From wooden sheds and shipping containers, We in collaboration with Jordan & Jordan, and other organisations have helped to transform the Kinross Mission School (KMS) in Mpumalanga into a school that its scholars can be proud of, with a fully equipped science laboratory, spacious classrooms, beautiful toilets and large equipped sports grounds.
According to Donald Nkadimeng, sustainability manager for Sandvik, the new year certainly has brought new possibilities for the 140 students who attend the school from the surrounding Afghanistan informal settlement. “Their futures are brighter now with a promise of high-quality education supported by caring individuals, organisations and companies, like Sandvik, who are committed to their futures.”
The construction of the first phase of the school has been a joint partnership project with Sandvik, Living Waters Ministries, Jordan & Jordan Services, Secunda Reformed Church and Sasol and marks the foundation for bigger and better things to come. At present the school caters for learners from grades RR to grade 3 with longer term plans in place to hopefully extend classes to provide education up to grade 12 in years to come.

Humble beginnings
Established in 2002 the school was the brainchild of founders, Chris and Sylvia Jordan, who started Living Waters Ministries at the settlement 25 years ago. They soon recognized the need to nurture and educate underprivileged children from within the settlement and this led to the building of a makeshift school from wooden sheds and shipping containers.
Despite providing schooling to over 1000 pupils over the years, it had its limitations and learning conditions were far from perfect. Poor sanitary conditions no electricity nor running water were just some of the challenges faced on a daily basis. So, rather than succumbing to these challenges, management and charities rallied behind the cause and vowed to make it a success.
“First and foremost among these was the funding to undertake such an ambitious project and thankfully, Sandvik was immediately forthcoming,” says KMS committee chairman Bradley Thomas. The company soon provided us with necessary finance to undertake construction work from building plans to completion. This also enabled us to employ over 140 locals over the 12-month construction phase which provided a welcome boost to the community. And, thankfully, after the dust of construction settles, the school will continue to provide employment to staff and teachers, who have all been selected (and specially trained) from within the local community.
Charitable cause
“We are ever so grateful to our sponsors for making this dream come true. Now our children can get started on our PACE educational program which is highly effective curriculum that prepares children for tomorrow’s world while building them up with traditional moral values that will last a lifetime.” He adds that in addition to the “free” private education all the children will continue to receive hot meals daily so that they can build healthy minds and bodies.”
“To be involved in such a project is a privilege for us! As a multinational service provider to Sasol Mining, we feel we are not only fulfilling our obligation to social and community development as per the Mining Charter, but are also showing that we care and are prepared to take an active involvement in the future of our children. For us the education of our children is key, as it uplifts the community, adds value to the surrounding mines and provides well educated talent for service providers,” Donald concludes.
Fast Facts
In addition to the main sponsors, other important contributors included:
The College of Technology and Production who are the ongoing food sponsors.
Sasol CAF/CSI employee contributions
Ilifa Secunda
Timber City Trichardt
As well as Elize and Gary Leibbrandt, Louis and Lynette Bosch, Darryl and Karen Jordan, Timothy and Valerie Aron, Dr Anton Knoetze and Secunda Reformed Church members.
The project was managed by Jaco Noordman



















