A purpose-built Grade 1 classroom has been donated to Emnqundekweni Primary School near Bulwer, South Africa, as part of a circular economy initiative led by global supply chain company CHEP. The classroom was constructed using wooden pallets made from timber grown near Creighton, KwaZulu-Natal, which were recovered, processed, and combined with recycled materials to create durable building planks. This project demonstrates how materials can be recovered and reused close to where they originated.
The timber used in the classroom originated from the Braecroft forest in the Emnqundekweni area of KwaZulu-Natal. The wood was cut and shaped into pallets at the nearby Weatherboard timber mill, which were then used to transport goods across South Africa. After years of use, damaged pallets were dismantled and shredded, and the recovered timber was processed by Nowatech into powder. This powder was mixed with resin made from recycled PVC pipes and extruded into strong composite planks.
The classroom was handed over to 30 Grade 1 learners on October 21, whose previous learning space had deteriorated, raising safety concerns for learners, teachers, and the wider community. Emnqundekweni Primary School serves 206 learners from the surrounding area and is located about 11 kilometers from one of the CHEP timber plantations. The new classroom incorporates approximately 40% repurposed wood waste from CHEP timber operations and is elevated above ground level to improve durability and address site-related challenges, including flooding.
CHEP partnered with WILDTRUST and Solving 7 to deliver the project, which demonstrates how community development can go hand in hand with more responsible resource use. WILDTRUST works with communities across southern Africa through conservation and development initiatives, while Solving 7 specializes in infrastructure solutions using recycled and repurposed materials. The partners also supplied a chalkboard, a teacher's desk, and 35 ergonomically sized green desks made from a mix of plastic and repurposed timber waste.
The new classroom has brought a sense of reassurance and renewed optimism to learners and teachers at Emnqundekweni Primary School. Thandukwazi Mthobisi Gumede, the school's representative, expressed gratitude to CHEP and its partners for recognizing the school's need and helping to create a better environment for the children. The project shows how circular business practices can create lasting value for communities connected to CHEP operations.
Dr. Roelie Kloppers, CEO of WILDTRUST, said the project demonstrates the value of combining community development with environmental responsibility. The partnership brings together innovation with real needs on the ground, helping communities access essential facilities while encouraging more responsible resource use. Alisdair Sinclair, vice-president of CHEP Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized that every child deserves a safe learning environment that supports their potential.
The project is a testament to the impact of collaborative efforts between organizations, communities, and governments. WILDTRUST and CHEP are committed to sustainable practices and community development, and this project showcases their joint efforts to create a positive impact. The new classroom will provide a safe and conducive learning environment for the learners at Emnqundekweni Primary School.
Key points
- The classroom was built using approximately 40% repurposed wood waste from CHEP timber operations.
- The project demonstrates the value of combining community development with environmental responsibility.
- The new classroom will provide a safe and conducive learning environment for 30 Grade 1 learners at Emnqundekweni Primary School.
