Post Reporter|Published
Sibaya Community Trust has handed over a renovated events hall to Rydalpark Secondary School in Phoenix, with rental income expected to support maintenance, operations and educational resources.
Two classrooms were transformed into the multi-purpose facility to help strengthen the school’s long-term financial sustainability.
“The project is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening the school’s sustainability and investing in the future of our children,” said Vivian Reddy, founder and chairman of the Sibaya Community Trust.
He said that the project reflected the trust’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that delivers lasting community benefits, with revenue generated through the hiring of the venue expected to support the school’s operational needs, maintenance and educational resources.
“Education remained a cornerstone of the trust’s humanitarian work. We want this hall to continue giving back to Rydalpark Secondary School long after today’s handover,” said Reddy.
Reddy acknowledged the role of Pam Sewrajh, chairperson of the school’s governing body (SGB), whose application brought the project to the Trust, as well as the school’s leadership, teachers, contractors and project team.
“Service to our vulnerable is indeed service to God. When we have the ability to make a difference, we have a responsibility to do so. Our greatest investment is in creating opportunity, restoring dignity and giving hope,” he said.
Principal, Lionel Veeraragulu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Reddy and the Sibaya Community Trust, describing the hall as the realisation of a long-held vision.
“This facility gives us more than a beautiful venue. It provides an opportunity to generate much-needed income, improve our resources and create a stronger future for our pupils.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into reality,” he said.Sewrajh said the facility would help address the financial pressures faced by the school.
“The hall is an investment in our school’s sustainability.
“Through the responsible hiring and management of this venue, we hope to generate revenue that can be directed towards operational needs, maintenance and educational resources.Our responsibility now is to ensure this opportunity benefits our learners for generations to come,” she added.
Reddy’s wife, Sorisha Naidoo, a trustee of the Sibaya Community Trust, was honoured for her role in approving the project.
The event concluded on a heartwarming note with a special birthday tribute to Naidoo, who celebrates her birthday on October 24 .
A surprise birthday cake was presented to Naidoo at the event.
Jane Pillay, trust fund manager at the Sibaya Community Trust, said the trust has supported schools across KZN through classroom construction, infrastructure upgrades, educational resources and other interventions.
She said recent beneficiaries included Umzinyathi Primary School in Inanda, Maidstone Primary School in Tongaat and West Park Special Needs School.