In many South African classrooms, access to learning materials still determines how effectively teaching and learning can take place. While conversations around education increasingly centre on digital tools and online platforms, printed resources remain a cornerstone of schooling particularly in under-resourced and rural communities where connectivity and devices are limited.
Against this backdrop, Mondi South Africa’s Rotatrim paper donation programme has quietly become a vital support system for thousands of learners and educators, strengthening literacy, improving academic outcomes and easing pressure on schools operating with minimal budgets.
Supporting schools where resources are stretched
Established in the early 2000s, the Mondi Rotatrim programme has reached 133 schools and benefited nearly 30,000 learners across South Africa. By supplying paper used for exam scripts, worksheets, study guides and handbooks, the initiative addresses one of the most basic, yet critical, needs in the education system.
The programme focuses primarily on no-fee schools and early childhood development centres in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, regions where many schools rely heavily on external support to function effectively. Beyond classrooms, Mondi also provides paper to non-governmental organisations and traditional councils, supporting administrative work and the distribution of community information.
This targeted approach ensures that donations reach institutions where even small resource gaps can have outsized consequences for learning outcomes.
According to Thobi Mkhize, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Mondi South Africa, timing plays a crucial role in the programme’s impact.
“Paper remains a fundamental learning resource, especially in rural areas. While the donation may not cover every sheet a school uses in a year, arriving ahead of exam season provides critical support for teachers and learners at a decisive time.”
From access to achievement
The real value of the programme is visible inside classrooms. At Candabuthule High School in Greytown, the Grade 12 pass rate rose from 73% in 2018 to 99% by 2023. Educators at the school link this improvement in part to learners having individual access to printed worksheets and past examination papers, materials that were previously limited or shared.
Access to paper has also enabled schools to formalise academic recognition. Printed certificates and prize-giving ceremonies have become possible, reinforcing learner motivation and helping schools celebrate achievement in tangible ways.
At Emankwathini Primary School, outside Richards Bay, principal PJ Manyenge says the donations relieved financial strain and improved the quality of assessment.
“The donations have enabled us to conduct high-quality examinations. Learners can now sit for district-level standardised exams without logistical issues.”
Similarly, Lamontville High School near Durban has used donated paper for both academic materials and parent communication. Printed circulars resulted in a reported 30% increase in attendance at parent meetings, strengthening engagement between the school and families. Teachers at the school report that Grade 12 learners, in particular, are better prepared for examinations due to consistent access to printed materials.
Sustainability alongside social impact
While the programme addresses immediate educational needs, it is also grounded in environmental responsibility. All Mondi paper is fully recyclable, FSC™ certified and sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that social investment aligns with long-term environmental commitments.
This dual focus reflects a growing expectation that corporate social initiatives contribute not only to communities, but also to sustainable production and responsible resource use.
Sandile Ngcobo, Director of Public Affairs and Transformation at Mondi South Africa, says the outcomes reinforce the company’s commitment to education.
“We’re inspired by the positive impact on learners, teachers and parents. Supporting education is fundamental to building stronger communities, and we remain committed to helping more young people succeed.”
Investing beyond the classroom
Mondi South Africa manufactures its premium office paper products, including Mondi Rotatrim, at its Merebank Mill, supplying South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan market. As a Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment contributor, the company positions education as a central pillar of its community and transformation strategy.
In a country where educational inequality continues to shape long-term opportunity, the Rotatrim programme illustrates how practical, well-timed support can deliver meaningful results. By ensuring that learners are not disadvantaged simply because they lack paper, the initiative helps level the educational playing field in a way that is both simple and deeply impactful.
In an era defined by rapid technological change, Mondi’s paper donation programme serves as a reminder that progress often begins with the basics, and that sometimes, a single printed page can change the course of a learner’s future.