KANYAMAZANE – Hope, joy and happiness were evident on the faces of 10 disadvantaged schoolgirls from ZB Secondary High who were presented with brand-new uniforms.
This included shirts, jerseys, skirts, neckties, sanitary pads and cosmetics through the generosity of Badanile Zulu-Reeds, famously known as Make Zuka.
“We hope that our little gift will make a difference. We love you so much and you also must learn to love one another. God loves a cheerful giver,” said Zuka.
Her initiative of collecting five-cent coins for the benefit of needy children started in 2007 and she has since been joined by Ligwalagwala FM’s Kusile Mzansi’s Breakfast Show Masakhane programme. Together they have made a difference in the lives of thousands of needy children in the province.
“I’ve always said I cannot do it alone, but through joint efforts with the community, churches and the media, we can touch many lives and stop the scourge of poverty,” she said.
She also plans to bring smiles to children in other schools in the province; her next step will be to visit Bongamlambo and Nkhonkhokweni schools.
The principal, Ms Twisisani Chauke, expressed words of appreciation to Zuka and her team for the donation, which she said would help learners not to feel isolated.
“The recognition of the 10 learners from the many needy ones that we have, will encourage them to take charge of their lives and know that they are loved and cared for.
“We hope this will also help them to refrain from the temptations of ‘sugar daddies’ avoid unwanted pregnancies.”
ZB has 689 learners with 113 matrics this year. Its target is to achieve a 90 per cent pass rate and the school has since begun with afternoon and weekend classes.
“We believe we will achieve our target due to the support we receive from parents, as well as the commitment shown by teachers and learners. They are very committed but we need to steer them in the right direction,” she said.
The event was also graced by the presence of Ward 21’s councillor, Cllr SV Bhiya who urged the community to identify the needy and help them where they could.
