Delight as pupils receive new school shoes

Pupils at Mooiplas Public School in Mzwini had every reason to smile on Thursday when they received new school shoes from a former pupil.

The delight on 11-year-old Amanda Thawuzeni’s face and those of her peers was plain to see at the handover by Veli Sinqana, a bishop who also attended the school.

So worn out were the pupils’ school shoes that they were wearing gumboots or casual shoes to school.

“My shoes were torn and I could no longer wear them. It was painful, but I love school and I could not risk missing some days,” little Amanda said.

“I am so happy to have these shoes. Now my [unemployed] mother will use the money she would have spent on shoes to do something else.”

Sinqana, of the Born Again Apostolic Church, who is a nurse by profession, said: “I too come from the background of going to this same school without shoes. I’m doing this as part of community development. It is my contribution in changing our society.”

Sinqana spent R4,000 on the shoes, while friends and colleagues also contributed.

“Doing this will ensure that these children can look forward to going to school and making something out of their lives. This also reduces crime, because many pupils drop out of school because of the lack of uniform,” he said.

“My wish is that those who can donate to children from impoverished backgrounds. This will put a stop to children being laughed at when one lacks something, and helps build our societies.”

School principal Tony Mtintsilana said many pupils at the school were from child-headed families and others from homes where parents were not working.

“This is a welcome donation, and we thank the bishop for it. It was indeed a needed relief,” Mtintsilana said.

“We will ensure that we build a relationship with the bishop, and also work on ensuring that those who can also contribute.”