Last year’s statistics show that South Africa has 715 full service schools and 464 special needs schools. Special needs schools cater for learners who have special educational needs due to severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities or behavioural problems.
On Thursday, Mr Mandla Shabalala and his family visited Inkanyiso Special School to show how much they care about the community and the Inkanyiso family. They were there to hand over school uniforms to those learners who are the neediest. Mr Shabalala has a project called #MAKING DIFFERENCE that he started last year as a way of giving back to communities and those less fortunate. Last year, he donated about 19 food parcels costing R650 to different families around Vryheid and Newcastle.
Mr Shabalala turned 50 years old in July and decided to celebrate his birthday with a special school in the Vryheid area. That is when he decided to contact CNN Shezi, who is the Inkanyiso principal, and propose his idea to her. On the day of the event, the guests were warmly welcomed by the principal, who went on to say that the main reason they had gathered was because of the Shabalala family; because of their love for the community and the love they have for the family of Inkanyiso Special School.
Mr Shabalala, who holds a diploma in teaching, said to those present at the event that, “This is basically a celebration, as I was turning 50 and I decided to look around the area of Vryheid and pick any special school where I could donate full school uniforms to 20 learners. What inspires me is Nelson Mandela’s quote which says: ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we lived. It is the difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’.” Mr Shabalala continued to say, “Last year, I turned 49 and we were facing lockdown, so I figured out that I am too old to be celebrating my birthday the usual way, where I cut a cake. I decided to eat with other people and I donated food parcels. I’m doing the same thing this year; I want to celebrate my birthday with other people. I took R5000 out of my pocket to donate school uniforms. I had budgeted for only 20 kids, but with the help of people I know, friends and family, we were fortunate enough to raise funds and donate to 50 kids.”
“I want to make a difference in people’s lives. As we all know, if you are a government employee, you normally get a bonus when it’s your birthday and with that bonus, I wanted to make a difference. I gave my family some and I gave the community some. I am very thankful to my family and friends for the support. Today is your day, so enjoy the gifts that will be handed over to you,” he concluded.
School Governing Body (SGB) member Mr Buthelezi shared his vote of thanks to Mr Shabalala and his family, saying, “I would like to thank everyone for being here and mostly the Shabalala family for donating despite Covid-19 and the looting that took place. You still remembered the children. What you have done for us, may you continue to do for other people as well.”
“We have witnessed change here at Inkanyiso School. We are thankful to the Shabalala family, as they saw a gap. They are not only helping themselves, but the community as a whole,” said L Mchunu, who gave thanks on behalf of the school. ALSO READ:Inkanyiso gets 30 computers Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates 
