The shoes were handed over at Sarucena Primary School in Extension 25, Vryburg, on Saturday (1/8), marking the conclusion of Mandela Month. The Pretoria-based non-profit organisation has donated more than 150,000 pairs of school shoes to disadvantaged learners across South Africa over the past ten years. 

The initiative promotes dignity, improves school attendance, and supports learners during their educational journey, said North West department of education spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule.Beneficiaries included learners from Sarucena Primary School, Devondale Intermediate School, Setumo Intermediate School, Modisakoma Primary School, Broederspruit Primary School, and Floridine Primary School. 

The event highlighted generosity and community support, while learners were encouraged to help those less fortunate and embrace compassion, kindness, and a culture of giving.

The organisation remains committed to donating one million pairs of school shoes across the country, said campaign board member Roleta Lobelo. “We are not just giving out shoes; we are also teaching learners about the spirit of giving. What we are doing today is like planting a seed that will grow and multiply.”

The campaign understands the challenges learners without proper footwear face, including ridicule and bullying. “It is not something to laugh about or use to mock others. We need to support one another and encourage those who have the means to assist those in need.”

Young people should develop compassion, kindness, and generosity to make a positive difference in their communities. The campaign hopes the message will encourage learners to support others as they grow older and help build communities in which children are treated with dignity and understanding.

North West education MEC Viola Motsumi thanked the organisation for including the province among the campaign’s beneficiaries. “The donation of 600 pairs of school shoes will make a significant difference in the lives of our children and help restore their dignity,” she said.

The initiative’s impact would be felt for years, and the organisation’s efforts would help change learners’ lives and strengthen communities. Motsumi expressed confidence that the campaign would reach its target of donating one million pairs of school shoes nationwide and encouraged it to continue supporting vulnerable learners.

The organisation previously donated school shoes in Rustenburg and Zeerust before extending the campaign to Vryburg. Its latest donation forms part of an ongoing national effort to assist vulnerable children and ensure a lack of proper footwear does not prevent learners from attending school with confidence.

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