Mondi South Africa’s paper donation programme is making a lasting difference for thousands of schoolchildren, improving access to learning materials, supporting teachers and strengthening literacy outcomes across the country.
Since the early 2000s, the Mondi Rotatrim programme has reached 133 schools and benefited nearly 30 000 learners. By supplying essential materials such as exam papers, study guides, handbooks and worksheets printed on Mondi Rotatrim paper, the initiative supports teaching and learning at schools located near Mondi’s operations.
The programme focuses on under-resourced, no-fee schools and early childhood education centres in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. It also extends support to NGOs and traditional councils by providing paper for administrative work and community information sharing.
According to Thobi Mkhize, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Mondi South Africa, the programme addresses a critical need. Paper remains a fundamental learning resource, particularly in rural areas. While the donations may not meet every printing requirement over a full academic year, their timely delivery ahead of exam periods provides vital support to teachers and learners, ensuring students are not disadvantaged due to a lack of basic resources.
The impact of the initiative is visible in classrooms. At Candabuthule High School in Greytown, the Grade 12 pass rate improved from 73% in 2018 to 99% by 2023. Teachers attribute part of this improvement to learners having individual copies of worksheets and access to past examination papers, resources that were previously limited. Paper donations have also enabled schools to hold prize-giving ceremonies and issue printed certificates, helping motivate learners and recognise achievement.
At Emankwathini Primary School near Richards Bay, principal PJ Manyenge said the donations eased financial pressure and allowed the school to print class notes, worksheets, examination papers and extracurricular materials. He noted that learners are now able to write district-level standardised exams without logistical challenges, improving the overall quality of assessments.
Lamontville High School near Durban has used donated paper for academic materials and parent communication. As a result, attendance at school meetings has increased by 30%. A school spokesperson said that as a no-fee school with no printing budget, the donation filled a critical gap and helped ensure learners, particularly those in Grade 12, were better prepared.
All paper produced by Mondi is fully recyclable, FSC certified and responsibly sourced from sustainable forests. The programme forms part of Mondi’s broader commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.
Sandile Ngcobo, Director of Public Affairs and Transformation at Mondi South Africa, said the company is encouraged by the positive outcomes for learners, teachers and parents, and remains committed to supporting education and helping more young people succeed.
Mondi South Africa is a Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment contributor and manufactures premium office paper products, including Mondi Rotatrim, at its Merebank Mill, serving South Africa and the wider sub-Saharan African market.
