PPG’s New Paint for a New Start initiative gave Mamelodi secondary school in Tshwane a complete vibrant makeover of R1.5 million rand last week Wednesday.
The ceremony was held at Mamelodi secondary school premises.
Amongst the guests were officials from the department of education, (SGB) School governing body chairperson, teachers, principal, volunteers and PPG’s officials.
Officials from the PPG New Start Initiative cut the ribbon and announced the completion of a colorful and transformative makeover for the school.
They also took an opportunity and tour the school and witness the beautiful colors paint on the wall by the volunteers.
The local project brought together more than 80 South African volunteers, including PPG employees, customers, suppliers and school teachers, to help paint Mamelodi High with products from a number of PPG business units in South Africa.
Speaking to PPG Sales Director, Protective & Marine Coatings, Africa, Danie du Preez told the Tshwane Talks that they recognizing and understanding the positive impact colour have on education environments, and its potential to enhance learning, leading colour authority PPG has invested more than R1.5-million in refurbishing Mamelodi Secondary School.
The vibrant makeover is a New Paint for a New Start initiative, and part of PPG’s Colourful Communities programme.
Mamelodi secondary school is one of the 27 needy schools to be given a vibrant makeover.
“We are excited and happy to help beautify Mamelodi High and to create learning spaces that inspire bright starts for its learners,” said Danie du Preez.
He said globally the company dedicated June, July and August to protecting and beautifying schools around the world, using research-based colours and PPG colour expertise, to help students thrive.
The massive undertaking included refurbishing more than 10 school buildings, which included 33 classrooms, railings, road markings, curbs, parking bays, signage and more.
Over 4 500L of Prominent Paints and PPG paints and coatings were used in the refurbishment, including protective coating PPG SIGMASHIELD™ 880 with excellent corrosion resistance.
“The school was unrecognisable from what it was just a month ago.
As a company we have a strong sense of social accountability and we help people through our community engagement efforts, and improve educational facilities in the markets where we operate,” he said.
He said volunteers at Mamelodi High used a foundation palette with colours Swirling Smoke (light gray) or Happy Trails (cappuccino beige).
Du Preez further said these colours are guaranteed to strike just the right balance and have been chosen specifically for learners aged 14 to 18 years of age.
“Colourful Communities projects aim to help students start each day with a positive outlook and create joyful learning environments.
Where students feel supported, and engaged, and these palettes have been engineered to do just that,” said du Preez.
He further said the most memorable feature of the project is an 88m2 mural painted in the school’s central quad.
Designed by Strange Harvest mural artist, Murray Cowan, the vibrant multi-dimensional work of art is intended to inspire learners with meaningful imagery and messages they can relate to.
“We are delighted to help transform walls and the environment through our project and change the lives of more than 1 500 Mamelodi Secondary School learners and teachers,” he said.
“We are indebted to PPG for selecting our school as the beneficiary of this year’s Colourful Communities project,” said Mamelodi High School principal Mogo Selahle.
He said the generous paint donation has brought vibrant possibilities and endless creativity to our environment and this will inspire our students to dream, create and thrive.
SGB chairperson, Victor Motau said in order to protect the paint or school property, school parents have agreed that a learner found damaging the paint the parent will pay for the damages made by his/her child.