On 18 January 2026, excitement and pride filled the grounds of Mkambati Primary School as community members gathered for the official handover of the newly upgraded school. The project was led by Mkambati Matters, an organisation focused on tourism and conservation within the Mkambati Nature Reserve, in partnership with GweGwe Beach Lodge.
Addressing the gathering, Mkambati Matters representative Zukho Khubukeli called on civil servants to ensure that government fulfils its responsibility to provide quality education infrastructure. While welcoming private-sector support, he emphasised that businesses should not be expected to build schools, adding that public funding should be prioritised for learning resources such as computers, digital screens and teaching materials.
Khubukeli stressed the importance of education in shaping the future of rural communities and highlighted the role of learner well-being. “It is important to give children good nutrition so that they may have a balanced life,” he said. He explained that the funds used to upgrade the school were generated through conservation efforts, showing how environmental protection can directly benefit local communities. looking back on the past, he noted that the Mkambati area had no school prior to 2004 and urged parents and community members to unite in ensuring children attend school consistently.
School Governing Body (SGB) member and community representative Mr Phiwayo described the difficult conditions learners previously faced, including broken windows and leaking roofs. He encouraged parents to enroll their children at Mkambati Primary School, praising the commitment of the principal and educators, and thanked the sponsors and funders who made the upgrade possible.
