FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 August 2026
A long-awaited dream has finally become a reality for the learners and educators of Umzilikazi Secondary School in Utrecht, northern KwaZulu-Natal, as Gagasi FM and the Hollywood Foundation officially handed over newly constructed classrooms and brand-new classroom furniture through the station’s flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, Geleza Ne Gagasi.
The official handover marks the successful culmination of a remarkable journey that began in 2025 when Gagasi FM adopted Umzilikazi Secondary School through its Adopt-A-School Programme. At the time, more than 1,700 learners and educators were teaching and learning in ageing prefabricated classrooms that had long exceeded their lifespan. Despite these difficult conditions, the school community remained resilient, hopeful, and determined that a brighter future was possible.
Today, through the power of meaningful partnership and a shared commitment to education, that hope has become reality. The project has delivered three newly constructed classroom blocks comprising 15 fully equipped classrooms, together with 300 brand-new learner desks that provide learners and educators with a safe, dignified, and inspiring environment in which to teach and learn. To further support academic success, the initiative also included the distribution of 1,800 stationery packs, ensuring that learners have the essential resources required to begin the school year equipped for success.
The handover ceremony brought together learners, parents, educators, members of the School Governing Body, government representatives, community leaders, the Hollywood Foundation, and the Gagasi FM team to celebrate what can be achieved when organisations unite behind a common purpose. The occasion served as a powerful reminder that sustainable partnerships have the ability to transform lives and create opportunities for future generations.
Today’s milestone follows another significant achievement for the partnership. On Thursday, 16 July 2026, Gagasi FM and the Hollywood Foundation were honoured at the KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards 2026, where they received the prestigious Partnership Award in recognition of the meaningful and lasting impact their collaboration continues to make throughout communities across KwaZulu-Natal. The awards ceremony, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, celebrated organisations whose partnerships are driving sustainable social and economic development. Gagasi FM proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Hollywood Foundation, reaffirming the strength of a partnership built on creating opportunities, restoring dignity, and improving lives.
Receiving this prestigious accolade only weeks before the official classroom handover makes today’s occasion even more significant. It demonstrates that the partnership between Gagasi FM and the Hollywood Foundation is not only being recognised for its impact but is also continuing to deliver tangible, measurable results that positively change the lives of the communities it serves.
Reflecting on the significance of the handover, Pinky Myeni, Head of Commercial Hub at Gagasi FM, said:
“At Gagasi FM, Geleza Ne Gagasi has always been about more than easing the financial pressures of going back to school. It is about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and investing in the future of our young people. Today represents the fulfilment of a promise we made to the learners and teachers of Umzilikazi Secondary School. Together with the Hollywood Foundation, we are proud to hand over classrooms that will positively impact generations of learners for many years to come.”
Kuhle Mkhize, Hollywood Group PR Manager, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to education and community development.
“At the Hollywood Foundation, we believe every learner deserves access to a safe and inspiring environment in which to learn. Our partnership with Gagasi FM demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change. This initiative is about creating opportunities, celebrating potential, and equipping learners with the resources they need to thrive. We are honoured to stand alongside the Umzilikazi Secondary School community and look forward to seeing learners grow, succeed, and achieve their dreams for many years to come.”
Over the years, Geleza Ne Gagasi has become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most impactful Corporate Social Investment programmes, supporting thousands of learners through school supplies, bursaries, educational resources, and infrastructure development. Through the Adopt-A-School Programme, the initiative continues to identify schools requiring meaningful infrastructure support while creating sustainable educational environments that empower learners and strengthen communities.
As celebrations continue, Gagasi FM invites listeners and members of the public to follow the day’s activities across the station’s on-air platforms and social media channels, where the remarkable transformation of Umzilikazi Secondary School will be shared with audiences throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
Follow the journey:
Gagasi FM
Facebook: @GagasiWorld
X (Twitter): @GagasiFM
Instagram: @gagasifm
Hollywood Foundation
Facebook: @Hollywood Foundation
X (Twitter): @HWBFoundation
Instagram: @hwfoundation
Issued by: Gagasi FM & Hollywood Foundation
Media Enquiries
Khulekani Shandu
Business Development Lead – Gagasi FM
Tel: 031 584 5300
Cell: 083 792 5737
Email: [email protected]
Ntsike Mchunu
PR & Consumer Marketing Coordinator – Gagasi FM
Tel: 031 584 5300
Cell: 081 411 0832
Email: [email protected]
Oteng Makgotlwe
PR Specialist – Hollywood Foundation
Tel: 087 353 8930
Cell: 076 473 8336
Email: [email protected]
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