Lolo Madonsela
A total of 42 pupils from Hluma Public Intermediate School in Vryheid had their dignity restored, after receiving a brand new pair of school shoes.
Vryheid’s very own gospel artist, Xolani ‘Njibza’ Mhlongo, who is also a former learner of the school, raised money last year with the aim of supporting local schools and donating shoes to learners in need.
Njibza said his aim was to assist learners in the Bhekuzulu area first, then expand the project over time.
“My first charity gospel show was last year November and that was where I raised money to buy these school shoes. This year in November, I will host another charity gospel show to continue raising money for school shoes. This is going to be an annual event. Working with the schools, I will be able to identify those learners in need and with the support of the community attending the show, I will be raising money for this project, not for profit. Hopefully as this initiative grows, I will be able to add school uniforms as well,” said Njibza.
Speaking about how the concept came about, Njibza said, “I used to be a learner here and I saw how poverty affected my schoolmates and some of my friends. Even though I was not from a well off family, I could afford new school shoes even in the middle of the year. An incident which prompted me to do this project was born while I was still a learner here.
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“My father had just bought me a new pair of school shoes and one of my friends didn’t have any, so I gave him that new pair of my shoes.
“When I got home, I got a hiding from my father but I lied to him and said I lost the shoes while playing soccer, knowing fully well I had given them to my friend who needed them more than I did.”
Njibza said he promised himself then that when he was grown up and could afford it, he would return to his school and offer what assistance he could.
“Even now, I can see that not much is changed at this school, therefore I request learners to also do the same when God blesses them in life after completing school.”
He added he was planning to come back to Hluma in winter to donate jerseys, and urged local businesses to also visit the school and find a way to assist the learners.
“Pay a visit to that school so you can see for yourself how poor it is. Even if they can donate paint, it would make a huge difference. Ever since I’ve known that school, it always has the same paint; it needs a facelift. Paint is not the only thing needed, but very little assistance will count for something.”
Hluma Principal, Zandile Ngcobo said she was very grateful for what Njibza had done for the learners and prayed God continued to bless him abundantly.
“Honestly, I was skeptical when he came to the school to talk to me about this initiative, because many people have come to our school with promises to assist our learners and they never deliver. Njibza kept his word. Our learners will be like the rest of their schoolmates. I am very grateful for this – continue to do wonderful work and may God bless you.”
Njibza’s annual charity Share a Mic with Friends Gospel Show takes place on November 28 at Bhekuzulu Community Hall.
The proceeds from this event will yet again be used to buy school shoes for learners in 2021, and anyone willing to donate school shoes can contact Njibza on 076 461 5328.
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