Times Of Swaziland: TEE & JAY TO BUILD E15M BOARDING FACILITY TEE & JAY TO BUILD E15M BOARDING FACILITY ================================================================================ BY KWANELE DHLADHLA on 13/06/2019 00:39:00 EZULWINI – Tee and Jay, the renowned furniture manufacturer and furniture fittings specialists, has diversified its portfolio into the property sector. The company and Manzini-based private school Ka-Zakhali has embarked on an ambitious property development project, where the former will construct and lease to the latter a state-of-the-art boarding hostel facility worth an estimated E15 million. The facility, whose first phase is expected to accommodate up to 192 pupils in 48 rooms, is being constructed at Portion 3 of Farm 272 in the Manzini district, land wholly owned by Tee & Jay Investments. Recent valuation of the said land pegged it at E3. 3 million. Speaking at a breakfast media brief at Sibane Hotel yesterday, Tee & Jay General Manger Bongani Dube disclosed that the memorandum of agreement between Tee & Jay and Ka-Zakhali Private School, had been signed last month. He mentioned that this signalled commencement of what he described as ‘colossal work’ towards the construction of a highly advanced modern boarding facility for primary and high school pupils. “The debut phase of the project entails the construction of twin two-storey blocks of 24 fully-furnished and fitted rooms apiece; a huge dining hall; a kitchen; two houses for boarding masters/matrons; as well as a guard house,” revealed Dube when unveiling the architectural designs of the proposed facility. “Each room will be spacious, well-ventilated, air-conditioned, and will have two bunk beds, fitted wardrobes, study desks as well as chairs, so as to deliver a near-home experience for learners, creating a conducive environment for studying,” he said. Dube further stated that the facility will boast of social and recreational facilities which will be available for immediate use by pupils enrolled by Ka-Zakhali as boarders. Once completed, stated Dube, the facility would be wholly managed by Ka-Zakhali private school on a leasehold basis for a period of not less than 10 years. In his remarks, Tee & Jay Managing Director Thembinkosi Mndzebele said his company was humbled to have proposed and courted Ka-Zakhali successfully, as both parties were cognisant of the value that would be created by the project. “The social value of this project complements the business value, as both entities are keen to work towards delivering a modern educational facility in the form of the proposed boarding hostel – a facility which parents and pupils will be proud of,” said Mndzebele. He said Tee & Jay brings into the project expertise and experience in property development, construction, carpentry and joinery, as well as business project management. He mentioned that Tee & Jay was wholly financing the construction phase of the project through a renowned local business developer and financier, and said the project would be self-sustainable. Ka-Zakhali Private School Director Pearson Chunga said his school was ecstatic over the project, as it was already attracting pupils and interest from as far as Mozambique and some parts of South Africa. “Our academic track record over the year has been so impressive such that it has attracted widespread interest within and outside Eswatini; hence we are compelled to consider introducing a boarding facility that will conform to international standards. We are delighted to partner with Tee & Jay as the contractor, and subsequently our landlords for the boarding facility, as we both bring vital expertise and skills towards making this project a success,” said Chunga. He said the school has unique expertise and experience in the provision of quality education for cognitive child development, developing disciplined future social and corporate citizens and leaders, school and property management. Meanwhile, Chunga revealed that the first batch of boarding pupils will be admitted early next year, once the first phase of construction has been completed. He said parents were free to already indicate interest.