Durban – Learners in uMkhanyakude in the uMtubatuba region of northern KwaZulu-Natal, have received a boost to the start of their school year with donations of much-needed school shoes.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, led a heartwarming back-to-school campaign on Tuesday, (22 January 2025).
In partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and the Izimpande Foundation, the Deputy Minister delivered 132 pairs of brand-new school shoes to learners at Bathathe Primary School and Mfekayi Primary School.
Both Mfekayi and Bathathe primary schools are no-fee institutions dedicated to providing accessible, quality education to their communities.
These schools play a pivotal role in uplifting the Mtubatuba region by fostering educational growth and opportunities for young learners.
Deputy Minister Gina reaffirmed her belief that every learner deserves the necessary resources to thrive academically.
Earlier in January, she extended her efforts to KwaNxusa High School in the uMthonjaneni Municipality and Qantayi High School in the uMhlathuze Municipality, where she donated essential stationery.
Inspired by her initiative, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Izimpande Foundation partnered with the Deputy Minister to expand the campaign by providing much-needed school shoes.
The uMkhanyakude District Director Thanduyise Motha emphasised that providing children with adequate resources from the foundation phase sets a strong foundation for their academic success.
He also shared that uMkhanyakude has risen to become KwaZulu-Natal’s top-performing district for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Class of 2024, securing the third spot nationally.
Motha added that when he was first appointed to the position, the district was ranked 75th countrywide, highlighting the incredible progress made in improving educational outcomes in the region.
Referring to the donation of school shoes, Motha said it was such gestures that help contribute to the excellent pass rate in the district, which motivates learners to study further and harder.
Such gestures also motivate teachers to commit harder to the success of the learners, he said.
Motha added: “This shows that government delivers on its promises at the basic education level, and I thank the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation for gracing us today with this much-needed support.”
Deputy Minister Gina expressed her gratitude to the private sector for their role in the initiative, stating: “I thank the private sector for partnering with government in this initiative to positively impact our children, planting a seed from which the learners will reap benefits for their future.”
During her interaction with the learners, the deputy minister was inspired by their ambitions.
Some learners expressed aspirations of becoming doctors, while Wandile Majola shared his dream of pursuing a career as a social worker.
Deputy Minister Gina encouraged all learners to stay committed to their studies and thanked parents for their essential role in supporting their children’s education.
Sihle Ngobese of the Izimpande Foundation highlighted the importance of supporting male learners in society, an initiative that led to the formation of the non-profit organisation in 2019, and the donation of school resources to various schools around the country.
“The idea of donating school resources is more than anything personal, where I was even assisted by someone I did not even know. This planted a seed in me that I will also help others, just as I was helped.”
The principals of both schools, Manqele of Mfekayi Primary School and Ndlovu of Bathathe Primary School shared their heartfelt gratitude for the generous gesture.
They both said they hoped for continued support to further improve their school infrastructure and educational resources for the betterment of their learners.
The back-to-school campaign underscored the transformative power of partnerships in addressing challenges faced by underprivileged learners and ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel in their education.
