Johannesburg – Thousands of children in Tembisa, Soweto, and Mamelodi today walked proudly to school wearing brand new shoes, courtesy of DJ Shimza, whose real name is Ashley Raphala.
The music icon, who is also a philanthropist, once again demonstrated his commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities through the donation of 3 000 pairs of “Hopeful Soles” school shoes to children in need.
The handover took place yesterday, Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at the Rabasotho Community Centre in Tembisa, under the banner of the Shimuzic Foundation.
The foundation said this year’s “Hopeful Soles” handover benefited 52 schools and children’s homes in Gauteng, marking a growth in both reach and impact compared to last year.
The beneficiaries included 33 children’s homes in Tembisa, nine schools in Soweto, and 10 schools in Mamelodi, supporting orphans and vulnerable learners as they prepared for the start of the academic year.
The initiative was funded through the Shimuzic Foundation, with additional proceeds raised from Shimza’s annual One Man Show held on Christmas Day, an event that continues to merge music, culture, and social impact.
Commenting on the initiative, Shimza, CEO of the Shimuzic Foundation, said: “Hopeful Soles is about more than just school shoes.
“It’s about restoring dignity and giving children the confidence to walk into their classrooms feeling equal and prepared.
“Every year we try to do more, because the need is growing, and so is our responsibility to respond.”
Now firmly established as an annual initiative, the “Hopeful Soles” school shoe drive has expanded year on year.
It reaches more communities and reinforces DJ Shimza’s long-term commitment to meaningful, practical support for children in need, particularly in and around his hometown of Tembisa.
By channelling proceeds from his music career into grassroots initiatives, DJ Shimza continues to use his platform to create lasting change.
The foundation said the thousands of children wearing “Hopeful Soles” shoes are a tangible reminder that community-driven efforts can make a real difference.
