South African National Parks officially handed over a science laboratory worth R1.2m (€59 485) to Jacob Mdluli High School at Makoko, a village outside Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate last week.

The handover forms part of SANPark’s social legacy programme which focuses on community development in areas adjacent to its national parks.

The science lab is meant to enhance science learning and teaching at the school with the view of improving the standard and quality of education.

"In the past, our approach to community development was more on providing access to benefits that accrue from our business. The matter of social legacy enables us to provide facilities and other resources that are identified as needs in a specific community for their benefit. SANParks is one of the biggest employers in the area and this is one opportunity wherein we engage at the school level to contribute to the development of future science leaders", said KNP Managing Executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu.

This science lab handover at Jacob Mdluli High follows another science lab facility worth about R1.5m (€74 385) which Mthimkhulu handed over to Bunny Khosa High School at Ximungwe, outside Paul Kruger Gate in June on behalf of SANParks.

"The country's resources need to be spread equally amongst all the people so that we can contribute to building a better society. We need to find a common and sustainable approach to channelling such programmes in a way that contributes to an improved socio-economic situation in our communities. These programmes support the government mandate towards community development and are also in line with SANParks' vision of ‘A world-class system of sustainable national parks reconnecting and inspiring society’,” concluded Mthimkhulu.