Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation

Foundation donates school shoes to needy learners

“We are committed to empowering our learners and ensuring they have the resources they need for success.”

he 100% Foundation delivered 750 pairs of school shoes to learners who can’t afford them in selected schools across Ekurhuleni and the West Rand.

This initiative forms part of the foundation’s annual plan to help needy learners with essentials like sanitary pads and nutritious meals.

They collaborated with local organisations such as Bacha Ba Dichaba, Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation and Youngage Foundation to identify the schools in need.

A learner replaces his old shoes with a new pair donated by the 100% Foundation.

They identified seven schools in Ekurhuleni and the West Rand. Some of the local schools that benefitted include Rolihlahla Dan Pharasi and Mayfield primary schools in Daveyton.

In addition to providing the learners with footwear, they also donated e’Pap, a nutritious cereal to help the pupils begin their school day with energy and focus.

Some of the learners with their brand new shoes.

The 100% Foundation senior development and project co-ordinator, Janap Biemba, thanked their sponsors for their commitment to help the learners with the essentials they need to succeed.

“We extend our gratitude to our donor, Knorr Bremse, and our anonymous contributors for making this initiative possible. Together, we are committed to empowering our learners and ensuring they have the resources they need for success,” said Biemba.

George Mbilase Primary School Shines Through BEEI Support and Stakeholder Collaboration

By Sbongile Sokela

George Mbilase Primary School in Daveyton, Gauteng, has been making significant strides in educational activities, thanks in part to the support of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) and various stakeholders.

One of the key drivers of progress has been the BEEI Program, which provides job opportunities for unemployed youth while supporting teaching and learning in public schools. Through this initiative, George Mbilase Primary School has seen positive developments, including the selection of 12 learners for a public speaking camp coordinated by the Siyakha Youth Foundation and the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation.

The Public Speaking Camp offers a valuable platform for learners to sharpen their public speaking abilities. According to the school’s Reading Champion, Thabang Lichaba, this opportunity is boosting learners’ confidence and enhancing their academic performance.

The school also excelled in the District East Ekurhuleni Region Arts and Culture 3-Day Competition, where they secured second position in the Cumboots category. This achievement reflects the commitment and hard work of Assistance Mbali Magagula, the school’s Reading Champion, whose dedication to training the learners has yielded impressive results.

George Mbilase Primary School has expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of stakeholders who continue to play a key role in its success. These include the 100% Foundation, the Bonamelo Melisizwe Foundation, the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, and Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers.

The school’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with the backing of initiatives like the BEEI and supportive stakeholders, ensures that learners continue to receive quality education while excelling in cultural and academic programs.

Volunteers restore dignity of Colin House

“It was a meaningful way to honour Madiba’s legacy of service, unity and social responsibility.”

With paintbrushes, rollers, and big hearts, Affinity Health staff and external volunteers came together on July 19 to give Colin House at Benoni Child Welfare a colourful makeover in honour of Mandela Month.

The team spent the day painting the home’s fence and walls, helping to restore warmth and dignity to a space that provides care, safety and hope to vulnerable children.

“Guided by the theme ‘It’s in our hands’, the project aimed not just to refresh the walls and fence, but to create an environment that feels more cheerful, welcoming and nurturing for the children and caregivers alike,” said Siphiwe Mahlangu, project co-ordinator for the 100% Foundation.

Mahlangu added that the day’s work was more than just a volunteer activity.

“It was a meaningful way to honour Madiba’s legacy of service, unity and social responsibility. By dedicating our time and energy, we reaffirmed our shared belief that small actions can lead to big changes.”

He thanked all who participated for their effort, teamwork and compassion.

“Let’s continue to live the values Nelson Mandela stood for – not just for one day, but every day.”