On 18 July, the Foundation hosted a successful day of active citizenship at Qhobosheane Primary Schoo in Soweto. The Foundation was joined by a range of its corporate partners and celebrities. This was the Foundation’s 10th Back to School for Mandela Day, which wonderfully coincides with the Foundation’s 20th anniversary.
This year, our Back to School for Mandela Day initiative revolved around mobilising corporates and partners to conduct infrastructure renovations, curricular and co-curricular activities, and social welfare programmes at the school, which are part of the Foundation’s holistic Whole School Development model. Further, the day incorporated the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary campaign which aimed to rally support for school shoes for learners across the country. To champion this campaign, the Foundation partnered with Bathu, a locally grown and international renowned sneaker brand, as a shoe partner.
The Foundation’s supporters and partners supported the day through incredible commitments. AngloGold Ashanti funded large-scale infrastructure development at the school. Bathu, the shoe campaign partner, donated 100 pairs of school shoes and care packs to learners, which were distributed on the day.
In addition, some of the Foundation’s longest supporters, including Royal Haskoning DHV, Merafe Resources, Tamela Capital, Trust Blu Foundation (Blue Label Telecoms), and Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, all funded shoe and activity packages. Through these packages, over 800 pairs of school shoes were funded for distribution to schools across the country. Further, this day received invaluable support from a range of partners who donated food, building supplies, eyesight testing and spectacles and a host of services, which allowed for a far greater impact within the school; these include McDonald’s, Cashbuild, Build It, Promac Paints, Premier Optical, Chairman’s Furniture, ChairClub, Black Umbrellas, Lucky Star and author Nicolette Mashile.
The day began with eye testing. Volunteer activities included renovating Grade R classrooms, jungle gym and foundation phase classrooms. There was also a library and classroom resourcing, packing of school shoes and food packs. Additionally, Orphaned and Vulnerable Children were provided with food packs to take home, and Mcdonald’s catered for all guests, learners and school staff on the day. Learners were addressed by Cedrick Mpofu, the Managing Director at Bathu and Julius Kgole.
A range of media, actors, Miss South Africa contestants, celebrities, models and television personalities also joined the day. Amongst them was Power FM, which undertook an on-site broadcast, ENCA, Newsroom Afrika, Oros Mampufo, Prince Mampufo, Matshepo Sekgopi, Tshepi Vundla, Shepard Morena, Lasizwe Dambuza, Madisa Jakavula and Mawe Vundla, Nompulelelo Maduna, Zimi Mabunzi, Tiffany Francis and Itumeleng Parage.
We thank all the corporates, partners, staff, media and celebrities that took part on the day, ensuring the event was a success. Your efforts have certainly made a significant impact on the education landscape of South Africa.
