The Executive Mayor of Xhariep District Municipality in the Free State, Irene Mehlomakulu, and the Municipal Manager, Lebohang Moletsane, visited PT Saunders Primary School in Noordmansville and Madikgetla Primary School in Trompsburg recently to donate school shoes to needy learners.
The donations were part of the Executive Mayor’s ongoing initiative aimed at encouraging learners to remain in school, learn with pride, and maintain their dignity.
During the visit, members of the School Governing Bodies (SGB) and School Management Teams (SMT) were present to witness the donation being received by the enthusiastic learners.
In her address during the handover, Executive Mayor Mehlomakulu emphasized the municipality’s commitment to supporting education as a crucial foundation for a brighter future, a commitment strengthened through their partnership with Old Mutual.
“We cannot expect our children to focus on learning when they walk to school without proper shoes. This small gesture is about restoring dignity and motivating our learners to attend school every day and work hard,” said Mehlomakulu.
Municipal Manager Moletsane echoed these sentiments, stating that investing in learners is essentially investing in the future of Xhariep. The school management at both institutions expressed their gratitude for the donations, highlighting the positive impact it would have on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Principal of PT Saunders Primary conveyed heartfelt thanks for the intervention, noting, “Many of our learners come from very difficult circumstances. These shoes will make a huge difference to their confidence and attendance.”
Similarly, a representative from the SGB at Madikgetla Primary expressed gratitude on behalf of the parents and governing body, saying, “This shows that the municipality cares about the education of our children.”
The joy on the faces of the learners who received the shoes was evident. One learner from Madikgetla Primary exclaimed, “Thank you for the new shoes. Now I can come to school every day without being ashamed.”
A Grade 5 learner from PT Saunders Primary added, “I am so happy. I will work hard at school to make my parents and the Mayor proud.”
The municipality is committed to continuing this program, with plans to extend donations to more schools across the district in partnership with Old Mutual.
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