Sustainable Community Development: Itlotleng Commercial High School
Like many schools in South Africa’s remote areas, Itlotleng Commercial High School, located in Bendel in the North West province, has faced challenges including ageing infrastructure and limited access to resources. As part of Tshipi’s ongoing community empowerment strategy, Tshipi partnered with the school to address these challenges and improve educational outcomes.
Addressing Barriers to Learning
Tshipi introduced a key initiative at Itlotleng to deliver optometric testing for students in Grades 8 to 12. Around 8% of students who were tested at the school have been found to have vision impairments and have been provided with free prescription glasses as part of the program.
For these students, the new glasses have significantly improved their ability to focus and participate fully in the classroom.
Enhancing Infrastructure for a Better Learning Environment
Over the duration of its partnership with Itlotleng, Tshipi has also completed upgrades to the school’s infrastructure. This has included a new ablution block, improved administration offices, an upgraded kitchen to support the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and shaded outdoor spaces for learning and recreation.
These enhancements have brought a renewed sense of pride to the school, creating a more welcoming and functional environment. Principal Mr Ontibile David Sebuseng said that the works that have been completed as part of the Tshipi partnership have been the most significant at the school since he commenced working there in 1996, delivering tangible improvements.
"Even the students, when they come to school now, can see that they are coming to a real place of learning. It’s motivating for them."
Collaboration with the Community
Central to the success of the partnership is Tshipi’s collaborative approach with the School Governance Body, community leaders, and local government. This ensures that support is aligned to the school’s unique needs and priorities. In addition to the benefits to the students and school community, employment opportunities were created for community members during the construction phase of the infrastructure upgrades, contributing to economic development in the local community.
Positive Outcomes and a Vision for the Future
The improvements at Itlotleng Commercial High School have had a meaningful impact. Attendance rates have increased significantly, reported as exceeding 90% in 2024, as students and staff benefit from the improved facilities. Principal Sebuseng attributes this improvement directly to the upgraded infrastructure and facilities, which have fostered a more engaged learning environment. As the school largely depends on government grants, Tshipi’s involvement has been instrumental in enabling this.
For Tshipi and Jupiter Mines, this partnership illustrates the lasting value of strategic investments in education. By fostering collaboration and addressing systemic challenges, these efforts drive long-term community development.
