Page 11 - Ubuntu Repro Upload

It was heart warming to see people dig deep into their pockets to either make a cash donation, or to give uniform and school shoes toward the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Uniform Collection campaign. The aim of the campaign is to ensure that every child in need receives a pair of shoes and a decent school uniform. The main campaigner is Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Cllr Zanoxolo Wayile, who led the campaign by begging barefoot and in school uniform at Greenacres Shopping Centre, Walmer Park Shopping Mall and the Cleary Park Shopping Complex. The response was overwhelming, and the city came out in full support of those less fortunate.

Mayor Wayile, who as a young learner had to walk more than 30km to school without shoes, said:

“There is no better than the noble cause of pledging human solidarity to reach out to the most destitute section of our people. This campaign has managed to unite people from all sectors of society, and crossed the barrier lines of race, culture and political preference. The NMBM is setting a trend both provincially and nationally, by starting an initiative of this type. We are encouraging all spheres of government to unite and dedicate their commitment to education.

This is also a personal campaign that is very close to my heart, because I myself grew up walking to school for more than 20kms everyday without school shoes, for more than 10 years. This is why I want this programme to succeed, because I do not want what experienced to be experienced by another child.”

AMONG THOSE WHO DONATED…

Emfuleni Resorts Chairperson, Bongi Siwisa:

“This is a very important initiative by the Executive Mayor and the Municipality, and we believe that it is not only about the books for learners, but also for them to be equal to one another and to look presentable. They must also ft in on a psychological level. There is nothing more painful for a child than showing up to school without uniform or school shoes. Having the proper school attire also fts in with discipline, and it is about creating an identity for that learner.

I believe that such a campaign spearheaded by our Local Government is the right platform for an initiative of this nature, and as the political leaders of the city they must be seen as the

driving force behind the campaign. T h e success of this campaign has restored public confdence in government.”

Schaeffer SA’s Rainbow Nation Club outreach co-ordinator, Charmaine Potgieter:

“It is always wonderful to be part of such initiatives that empowers the under privileged. We are proud to be a part of any upliftment in the community.”

Visitor to Nelson Mandela Bay from George, Eunice Volkwyn: “This is such an inspiring campaign, and you can only imagine how successful it can become of every person donates just R10 toward buying a child in need a pair of school shoes. I will defnitely be suggesting a similar initiative to the political leadership of our town.”

Resident, Dorian Van Vught:

“It is a great initiative that can make a difference in a child’s life. It is wonderful to see our city Mayor going all out to take part in such an initiative. He is an example to all of us.”

Greenacres Shopping Centre, Bata shoes manager, Shirna Coleman:

“Our store donated 10 pairs of shoes because we believe in this initiative. We want to make a difference and be a part of fulflling the children’s dreams. We can look up to our Mayor and the Municipality for setting such a good example to the public.”

Event Hire Network employee, Juanita Moses:

“I was responsible for manning the donation stations and counting the donations that came in at the mall activations. It felt good to be part of the campaign to give every child who is hungry for an education a decent walk to school.”

Although it was hard work, the begging barefoot campaign was also tons of fun! Pictures: Riaan Labuschagne