Dear Friends
Winter has arrived and so have donations of beanies and wonderful warmth. Our thanks extend to our UK partners, the Rotary Club of Retford and the knitters, and to our local ladies from Howick, Durban and Gauteng who help boost supplies with blankets, beanies and scarves. These goodies bring tremendous joy to our community and with white capped mountains and very chilly winds, they have everyone wrapped up warmly and securely this winter!
Khanyisela Project Workshop Highlights – Melanie Van Zyl
Melanie Van Zyl
It was a joyful and inspiring Saturday morning as the Khanyisela teachers joined the RDPS teachers for our termly workshop. The day began on a creative high, with each group tasked with composing their own original nursery rhyme or song in isiZulu. The crèche teachers took on the challenge in a fun and lively manner to create and perform their own original nursery rhymes. Each teacher brought their unique energy and creativity, using the limited time and resources to make their performances engaging and entertaining. The room was filled with laughter, clapping, and cheering as they showcased not only their talents but also willingness to try something new. This joyful event encouraged teamwork, boosted confidence, and reminded everyone of the power of play in education. It was a heart-warming celebration of imagination, storytelling, and the special bond between teachers and young children. The nursery rhymes incorporated themes related to our area making them even more fitting for the children. The energy was infectious, and the judges had a tough job selecting a winner-so much so that two groups ended up sharing first place!
After a well-deserved tea break, the teachers rolled up their sleeves and got creative. Using recycled materials, they crafted imaginative and practical resources to support fine motor development in their classrooms. These hands-on tools are designed to spark curiosity and encourage learning through play. It was truly encouraging to witness the collaboration and connection between the different crèches-sharing ideas, supporting one another, and reminding us that we are united in purpose. When we work together, we become stronger and more impactful, all in service of the children we are here to uplift.
The workshop was incredibly interactive, filled with laughter, learning, and collaboration. It was a meaningful morning that left everyone inspired and well-equipped for the term ahead.
Lighting Up Learning: Grade 4 Visits Eskom
Phola Nkabini
As part of our Integrated Studies this term, the Grade 4s learnt about water and how we can use it to produce electricity. The seniors of the school went on an excursion to the Eskom plant that is in our local area. This allowed them to see what they had learnt in practice. The learners were inquisitive, wanting to learn about the way of making and storing electricity. We are so fortunate to have a facility which develops children minds with knowledge and understanding. It inspires the young minds to dream big as they grow to thrive in their future endeavours.
We were thrilled by the experience. When we entered the building of the Eskom plant, there was lots of information which the learners could read as we waited for the tour to begin. We got to see the structures of our local plant that distributes electricity to our homes and school. They were amazed by the processes of generating electricity that makes their lives easier. We learned about the safety and dangers of electricity, raising awareness and building knowledge.
There were interesting moments as we went deep down into the plant where the whole process happens. We took an elevator into the depths of the underground caverns. This was the first time in an elevator for some of the learners – so a bit scary but a brave group of Grade 4s made it, 156m below the surface. They learned how the turbines work in generating the electricity and went through the different stages of power generation. Most enlightening was learning how the hydro system transports water from the Woodstock Dam to Sterkfontein.
In these moments we realise the potential we have as educators to inspire and guide the children in our care. It is the nurturing of young minds that we gives hope to the future generations.
Apart from learning about the electricity and the plant system, it was so wonderful to see the eyes of the children light up as they realise the importance of every job around us and the possibilities they have to make a difference for others through something as simple as ensuring you press the correct button at the correct moment.
Thank you to the Eskom team for welcoming us to their facility and answering all the questions we had. We definitely left there more knowledgeable then when we arrived.
When Ripples of Positivity Become Waves of Change: The Story of Sihle Innocent Miya
Thobani Ndlovu
Sihle Innocent Miya has always enjoyed watching things grow. From germinating seeds all the way to blossoming plants, ready for the harvest that sustains a family, community and even the society. He explains patiently the journey he has taken countless times, planting mealies to reaping the rewards of his toil. For generations, this has been a way of life in his family. He reminisces of his early years, where they used oxen to till the hard soil. To prepare it so that the seeds have a softer landing and is thereafter engulfed by the nutrient filled ground. These were lessons that he took with and transferred them to other parts of his life.
He laments of how times have changed and now there is no use for beasts of burden. He says due to technological advancements things have become much easier but this brings its own challenges. Tasks that were done by many people are now being done by machines and chemicals, leading to higher unemployment. The correlation between less work opportunities and the rise in crime statistics is not lost on him either. He warns against a crippled society that prioritizes technology over people. He recognizes how even in subsistence farming; the youth have been left idle as their responsibilities are replaced by quick fixes. Hindering the cultivation of patience found in the process of growing one’s food. Yet, he does not sound helpless. He believes that filling the gaps created by “development” is the solution.
In 1997, while still in high school, he and his friends started a football club. Its need arose from seeing that not all children had the opportunity to play, as only the “elite” players made it to the final squad. Building on these foundations, he became aware of how sports could help shape and inspire young minds, allowing everyone to have a shot in life. Giving them a common goal kept them away from trouble. As his friends moved away and he remained the only founder, he secretly planned to help change the lives of these young boys through mentorship.
Losing his dad at a young age and lacking in male role models, his grandad spurred him on to do more than just teaching teenagers the skills to dribble a ball. He knew the hardships of being raised by a single mother and saw the danger of these boys falling into the same despair. He wanted something different for them than the hand that he had been dealt. His modus operandi: He quietly observes the boys, notes their strengths then swoops in to affirm them. He enquires about their aspirations and encourages them to work hard at school. Making the hard soil of their reality just a bit softer for their dreams to grow. He believes that their family situation should not determine their destiny, carefully weeding out any doubts that threaten to suffocate their budding hopes. If they want to study further, he works with them to find ways to fund their post-school endeavours – patiently pouring into their minds the possibilities that lie ahead.
One of the beneficiaries of Sihle’s nurturing spirit is Phola Nkabini – a teacher and soccer coach at Royal Drakensberg Primary School and a Parent Champion Facilitator and Trainer under our Khanyisela Project. After completing matric, Phola arrived at the Cavern seeking work as a waiter, wearing his worn school shoes and ambition of becoming a qualified teacher. It was Sihle, also employed by Cavern Properties as a gardener, who not only brought him there but also vouched for him. Having seen his kind nature and determined spirit, he very early on cultivated in him the need to not only succeed but to also give back. Though Sihle does not expect anything in return, time invested in Phola and other boys is very evident. Each day, Teacher Phola ploughs back into the community by further nurturing other children and supporting parents by equipping them with tools to support their own children.
“Without them knowing, I use the club as a foundation to help them reach their destiny”, Sihle says speaking with a warm twinkle in his eye. “During harvest time, I call the boys to come and assist me, then pay them. I want them to understand that rewards come after working hard”. These are the life lessons he instills in them, through his hidden curriculum. His humble soul does not allow him to brag about what he has been able to achieve. But it is hard to hide his pride as he talks about the joy he feels when he sees them succeed. When pressed about his own dreams, with hopes that just this once he would turn the lens on himself, he once again reflects unfailing altruism. “My dream is to one day have a school that focuses on education and soccer, believing that one day they will play in respected soccer leagues and change their lives”.
International Yoga Day: One Earth, One Health – Connecting Hearts Through Breath and Movement
Cait Gordon
“Yoga is a quiet kind of magic. It helps your body feel safe, your heart feel warm, and your thoughts feel gentle. And when we feel good inside, we treat the Earth with care and love.”
The Grade 4s at Royal Drakensberg Primary were honoured to be invited to the celebration of International Yoga Day, hosted by the Indian Consulate in Durban. This special event took place in the breath-taking Royal Natal National Park on the 20th of June, 2025.
Excitement buzzed through the class as we waited eagerly for departure-nervous and curious about the day ahead. As we travelled through the local community, joyful chatter filled the taxi. Children pointed out their homes with pride and spotted familiar landmarks along the way.
At the park entrance, we shared fond memories of past visits and chatted about what yoga poses we might do-wondering whether we’d be able to manage them. A queue of cars slowly led us to our destination, and we were thrilled to see some familiar faces, waving happily to family and friends who work at Royal Natal.
Warm smiles welcomed us as we arrived. Representatives from the Consulate greeted us and showed us a large box marked with our school’s name. Inside were beautiful jackets-one for each child-a lasting reminder of this incredible day. After trying them on and taking a few group photos, we listened to short, thoughtful talks about the value of yoga and how it connects people across cultures and countries.
Soon it was time to begin. We unrolled our yoga mats and practised a few familiar poses to warm up. As the instructor guided us through the session, I noticed the children’s delighted expressions as they recognised poses they already knew and could do with confidence.
For 40 peaceful minutes, we focused on our breath, tuned into our bodies, and became aware of the majestic mountains surrounding us. We left the session feeling calm, refreshed, and empowered-ready to face whatever challenges may come our way.
Before heading home, we were treated to some special storybooks for our school-tales from India that give us a glimpse into another world and culture.
With delicious packed lunches in hand, brand-new jackets on our backs, and smiles on our faces, we hopped back onto the taxi. It had been a truly magical morning-a chance to see our own backyard through new eyes.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this experience possible and for giving our children such a meaningful and memorable opportunity.
A Final Word
Winter brings with it an achy cold and at times this gets into our bones and can even make us feel a little down but it’s the warmth of gentle sunshine and friendships that help us through. From the blanket to the beanie, from the song to the resource, from the classroom to the excursion and from the yoga pose to the feeling of hope, this term of happenings has inspired and motivated us all.
Thank you to our supporters and our sponsors. Without your generous hearts we would not be in a position to share such joy.
Warm wishes
Teacher Thoba, Megan & Loretta
