LEARNERS at Turffontein Primary School had an awesome day spent displaying Madiba joy and love on July 25.
South of Joburg Business and Tourism (SOJO) partnered with Howden Africa Pty Limited and Mall of the South for this worthy drive to collect needed items for the school. The partners support social upliftment efforts that have a lasting impact in the south of Joburg.
Nicky Vakaloudis, CEO of SOJO said: “We were excited to be involved and to partner with our business members who identify deserving and sustainable projects. We were touched by the plea letter we received to support a feeding scheme in the school.
“Upon visiting the school, it was identified that there was much to be done. Some of the ongoing projects will be to implement a sustainable vegetable garden where the learners can first feed themselves via the school’s feeding scheme, secondly take food home and thirdly generate money for the school.
“A recycling initiative has already begun with MPact who provided 30 boxes for white paper collections. This too will generate an income for the school. The recycling process will escalate to include sorting at the source with a credit reward for the learners. These are some of the initiatives that will hopefully transform the school from being poor stricken to being self-sustained.”
The day’s program was full of activities which included a lively song and dance performed in the school hall followed by half an hour education on burn awareness done by the National Burn Association SA. Some learners participated in the painting of Madiba silhouettes and messages on posters while others, together with their teachers, painted the rusted palisade fence which separates the Grade R area from the rest of the school.
The fence primer paint was sponsored by Robot Paint and Hardware situated in Booysens. Blankets, non-perishable food and books for the library were handed over, all sponsored by Howden Africa and Mall of the South with their tenants, namely Mochachos, Bargain Books and others. The Joy Dogs owned by Sue Green brought loads of laughter to the children during their display on the open soccer fields.
By lunchtime, the children were exhausted and looked forward to their freshly baked pie. Though it was challenging to feed all of the 1 200 young ones, the reward was priceless seeing their little faces and knowing they had a meal for that day. “We wholeheartedly thank Meals on Wheels for sponsoring the pies and Danish Confectionery in Ophirton, together with I’Sizwe Hospitality at Phumelela Turffontein Race Course who graciously baked the pies for us,” said Nicky.
Nicky personally extended a huge thank you to Krystal and her team from the Mall of the South as well as Judy and her team from Howden for their contributions, sponsorships and their dedicated time on the day. She also thanked Pam Immelman from Caxton, and Calum Burton, a UJ Masters student who both amiably offered their help throughout the day. Calum also interned at SOJO for this initiative. The full SOJO team were instrumental in the execution of the planned day. “Thank you to everyone who took part in this very deserving day, all in the spirit of giving! We will continue to drive these projects until we have met the necessary targets,” she said.
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