CHEP-led partnership puts repurposed wood waste to use in a classroom for 30 Grade 1 learners near Creighton
A new classroom at Emnqundekweni Primary School near Creighton provides a safer learning space for 30 Grade 1 learners. Delivered through a partnership led by global supply chain company CHEP with WILDTRUST and Solving 7, the classroom incorporates building materials containing repurposed wood waste from CHEP timber operations.
The learners’ previous classroom had deteriorated, raising safety concerns for learners, teachers and the wider community. The school serves 206 learners and is situated approximately 11 kilometres from one of the CHEP timber plantations.
Mr Thandukwazi Mthobisi Gumede, Principal of Emnqundekweni Primary School under Centocow Circuit, said: “The condition of our previous Grade 1 classroom was a real concern for our school. This new classroom brings a sense of reassurance and renewed optimism for our learners and teachers. We are deeply grateful to CHEP and its partners for recognising our need and helping us create a better environment for our children. Their support means a lot to our school and the wider community, because investing in our children is investing in the future of Emnqundekweni.”
The classroom was built using prefabricated building materials containing approximately 40% repurposed wood waste from CHEP timber operations, incorporated into mixed-material planks. The structure is elevated above ground level to help improve durability and mitigate site-related challenges, including flooding.
CHEP also equipped the classroom with a chalkboard, a teacher’s desk and 30 learner desks manufactured using a mix of plastic and timber waste from its Weatherboard sawmill. The learner desks are designed and sized for young learners and intended to withstand daily classroom use.
The partnership combines the CHEP community investment with WILDTRUST’s conservation and development focus and Solving 7’s expertise in infrastructure using recycled and repurposed materials. Together, the partners addressed the school’s classroom need while putting waste materials to use.
Dr. Roelie Kloppers, CEO of WILDTRUST, said: “This project demonstrates the value of bringing community development and environmental responsibility together to address a practical need. By rethinking how materials can be used, we can identify solutions that benefit people while making better use of available resources. Partnerships like this are important because they connect innovation with real needs on the ground, helping communities access essential facilities while encouraging more responsible resource use. It is this kind of collaborative approach that can contribute to more resilient communities and a healthier environment over the long term.”
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe environment that supports their potential,” added Alisdair Sinclair, Vice President at CHEP Sub-Saharan Africa. “As a longstanding neighbour and partner
Classification: General
in this community, we believe in recognising local needs and working together to address them. This classroom puts materials from our operations to use in support of young learners. We are grateful to the school and our partners for making it possible.”
The new classroom was handed over on Wednesday, 21 October, at a ceremony attended by members of the school and surrounding community.
