Lilongwe school to turn into Mandela legacy

The South African High Commission has announced plans to adopt the dilapidated Mzumazi Primary School in Lilongwe and rebuild it into a world-class facility.

The High Commission says the initiative is part of commemoration of 100 years of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu.

The South African High Commissioner Thenjiwe Minto said they plan to raise  $100 000  (about K74 million) for the project.

She said $10 000 (about K7.3 million) has already been raised and was used to buy desks for the school.

“As part of the celebrations, we decided to adopt a school and make it a legacy for Mandela. We have identified a school in Lilongwe in Mzumazi about 20 kilometres from the central business area.  It is in dilapidated state and we want to turn it into a great school in honour of Mandela and Albertina Sisulu,” Minto said.

She said currently they are in talks with Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to start the process.

“We hope to rename the school Ma Sisulu Mandela,” Minto said.

Last Saturday, the SA High Commission organised a golf tournament at the Lilongwe Golf Club as part of the fundraising activities towards the project.

Later in the evening there was an auction at the Sunbird Capital.

Former Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Minister Francis Kasaila, who was the guest of honour, described Mandela as a global icon.

Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa who, together with Sisulu and others, fought the apartheid administration.