Phomolong Secondary became the first school to be connected to one of Samsung's Solar Power Generators.
The generator will power the Tembisa-based school's administration block, which accounts for over 90% of its total electricity consumption. Samsung also installed energy-efficient LED lights to help reduce electricity usage.
Launched in March this year, the Samsung Solar Power Generator provides electricity at affordable prices to schools and community centres across Africa. The generator can provide power for up to eight years before new batteries are required.
"I'm delighted that we are going to be cutting back on our electricity bill, which usually comes to more than R8 000 a month," says Mocheke Thoka, Phomolong Secondary School's principal.
"By saving this money, we can afford to do important things, like infrastructure development, without having to sacrifice anything. I'm excited that our students will see that alternative energy solutions are really viable and I hope it will make them think about the importance of being resourceful and using solar power in Africa."
Phomolong Secondary School is already home to a Samsung Solar Powered Internet School, which serves as the school's only computer lab. The electronics company also donated several smart TVs and smartphones to the school to bring multimedia content into the classroom and ensure better communication between teachers.
According to Samsung, the school was identified as a suitable beneficiary for its education-related innovations due to its strong leadership, evidenced by the school's consistent year-on-year matric pass rate, which increased from 65% to 97.5% in just two years.
"Phomolong Secondary School is a good partner for us because we know that our investment will make a significant impact. Technology can do great things for schools, but unless those schools are run by committed leaders, it won't solve anything. We're pleased to be able to assist a school that is a shining example of what can be achieved despite the odds against it, "said Ntutule Tshenye, public affairs and common shared value manager at Samsung Africa.
Thoka says he is aiming for a 100% pass rate this year and that Samsung's ongoing support will help him achieve this goal.
"Since the Solar Powered Internet School arrived, we have seen a huge improvement in the academic performance of our students, who use the facility to do their homework, conduct online research, and to apply for bursaries at tertiary institutions. Now, the Solar Power Generator will help us free up budget, which can be used for more books and supplies," he concluded.
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