Ebomini Primary School Celebrates New Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Library
22 June – Ivory Park, Gauteng
On Wednesday morning, the grounds of Ebomini Primary School were alive with song, speeches, and 2,400 excited learners. At 9:30 a.m., the Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Library Project team arrived with special guests: actress and Mandela Library Champion Hlubi Mboya-Arnold, Eqstra CEO Jannie Serfontein, and Principal Mr Jerry Mhlanga.
With 72 active teachers and tutors, the school is a hive of learning — but until now, it lacked a dedicated library space. That changed in spectacular fashion. The new library was stocked with:
1,100 fiction and non-fiction books from Rotary International
Magazines and books from Joe’s Magz and other donors
Urban Legend comics from Norway — telling the story of a teacher-turned-superhero who protects children
400 early readers in Zulu, Sepedi, Sotho, and Xhosa from Qualibooks Naledi
10 Mandela soccer balls for the school’s sports club
Eqstra added little tables, chairs, reading charts, colouring books, crayons, and puzzles, turning the space into a bright, inviting hub of learning. They also treated the learners to chips and cold drinks, while staff and guests enjoyed tea and cake in the staff room.
In recognition of their dedication, 90 copper Mandela Bangles were gifted to teachers and staff. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” quoted Jannie Serfontein, echoing Madiba’s words during his speech.
The programme was full of music, spoken word, and big dreams. Soul Buddyz facilitator George Manyike watched proudly as his learners performed. Robert Coutts, CEO of the Mandela Bangle Project, told the children how Nelson Mandela started his journey to leadership: “The first thing he did as a little herder in Mvezo was go to school and learn to read.”
Hlubi Mboya-Arnold had the children shouting their ambitions to the skies — designers, doctors, teachers, engineers — and led them in declaring:
“I believe in dreaming big. I believe in making my dreams a reality. I believe the world is my oyster, and I know all things are possible with God.”
Eqstra has committed to adopting Ebomini Primary and continuing to support its learners. The excitement and pride from this launch will carry these remarkable young people through the holidays, ready to return to school inspired and equipped to learn.