EMANYEVENI – Wearing old and tattered uniforms is now history for 20 learners of Vutselani Primary School in this deep rural area near Ngodini.
They were recently presented with brand-new school uniforms including neckties, shirts, trousers, belts and skirts plus toiletry.
These gifts came from the generous and renowned gospel artist, Bishop Donny Ngwenyama, who made waves with his hit album Basheshe Bahleka with Ms Badanile Zulu, well known as Make Zuka (5 cents) and Good Samaritans.
Zulu explained that she was approached by Ngwenyama to partner him in assisting learners of the school. The bishop was formerly a pupil at the school.
The two joined forces to buy the presents. “We hope that our little gifts will make a difference. We just wanted to share our love with you since February is the month of love. We love you so much and you must also learn to love one another. God loves a cheerful giver,” said Zulu.
“We will definitely also come to help learners from other schools in future,” she added.
Ngwenyama motivated them to focus on their studies regardless of their current situations and backgrounds because it was only through education that they would be able to break the cycle of poverty in the community.
He also urged them to take care of one another, especially the less fortunate ones.
“Don’t make fun of them because the very same person might help you or your family in the future. Take care of them and share what you have,” he said.
Ngwenyama also praised the management and the community for taking care of the school’s facilities which are still in very good condition. He called on the government to improve the school by building better facilities for them. “You surely deserve better and you deserve a facelift,” he said.
Mr Simon Mahlalela of Ehlanzeni district office expressed words of gratitude to the donors and added that the department alone could not succeed in providing for every need of learners.
“The department has a school-feeding scheme and free education for every learner, however it cannot buy uniforms for them. We therefore extend words of gratitude to the donors.
We hope this is the beginning of yet bigger things to come,” said Mahlalela. The school has 520 learners, most of whom are orphans and vulnerable. This newspaper also learnt that there was a high rate of poverty and unemployment in the area of Emanyeveni, Malekuti and surrounding areas, to such an extent that it was the norm that most learners depended on the school’s feeding scheme for their meals, including breakfast.
NB: This newspaper is also forwarding words of condolence to the school, parents and learners on the demise of one of their teachers, Mr Mlungisi Enoch Mnisi, whose memorial service was held at the school on February 20.
“May the Grace of God be with you all in these testing times.”
