By Sbongile Sokela
In a world where small acts of kindness can spark great change, the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation is walking a powerful journey of hope, purpose, and transformation through its Youth Development and Poverty Intervention initiatives.
What began in December 2024 as a heartfelt effort to restore dignity and inspire hope, the Back to School: School Shoes Campaign, has now grown into a year-long movement of compassion and impact. Launched alongside the Foundation’s annual Food Drive, the campaign first reached over 50 families and 200 individuals, with a special focus on the elderly and child-headed households. “The smiles, the gratitude, the light in young eyes… that was the moment that changed us forever,” said Mr. Bonamelo Moloi, Founding Chairperson of the Foundation. That moment, he said, ignited a movement under the campaign theme “Empowering Young Feet to Walk the Path to Greatness.”
On 31 October 2025, the Foundation celebrated a major milestone by gifting 100 pairs of brand-new school shoes to learners at Mayfield Primary School in Daveyton. The gesture was more than just an act of giving, it was a celebration of what can happen when hearts and hands come together. In less than a year, the campaign has delivered over 1,000 pairs of school shoes to more than 1,000 children in need. This success, Moloi said, was made possible through the unwavering support of donors, partners, and volunteers who believe in the Foundation’s mission. “Each pair of shoes tells a story of dignity restored, confidence rebuilt, and dreams reawakened,” he explained. “True impact begins with intentional kindness. Our children are watching and learning from what we do, not just what we say. Together, we are not just giving shoes, we are healing nations, building futures, inspiring hope, and playing a helping hand in ushering transformation.”
The Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation stands as proof that transformation begins with one step and one act of kindness at a time. As a credible nonprofit organisation, the Foundation continues to build partnerships with community-based organisations, local businesses, faith groups, schools, and leaders who share its heart for youth development. “We firmly believe that sustainable growth and development require strong collaboration and international partnerships,” Moloi said. “The Empowering Young Feet campaign is just the beginning of a much greater journey. We want to help children access mentorship, digital skills, and personal development opportunities that prepare them to lead and transform their futures.”
He added that everyone can take part in this movement, whether by donating a pair of school shoes, offering resources, volunteering time, or simply sharing the Foundation’s story. “A simple pair of school shoes becomes a symbol of possibility,” he said. “It reminds each learner that it’s not about the shoes, but about them. This is an investment into their future, a reminder that their dreams matter, that they are seen, and that greatness is possible.” The Foundation’s connection to Mayfield Primary School holds special meaning. “Charity begins at home,” Moloi said. “As a Foundation rooted in the Mayfield community, we wanted to start our journey of empowerment right where we are planted.”
This year alone, the Foundation has donated over 300 pairs of school shoes to Mayfield learners in Grades 6 and 7. The partnership is part of a long-term commitment to support the school through education, mentorship, and digital skills training. “Our vision is to help learners and teachers thrive in the digital future,” Moloi said. “We aim to build a model for digital transformation that can be scaled across the City of Ekurhuleni, nurturing communities where education, skills, and opportunity meet to change lives.”
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