SHARPEVILLE – Popular businesswoman and philanthropist Mamaki Moeti together with Lukastro, donated soccer apparel to two local schools in Sharpeville on Friday, June 9.
The donation coincides with Mamaki’s 47th birthday which happened on June 4.
Instead of throwing a lavishing birthday celebration, the Balaboza owner opted to give back to the community that supported her business for many years.
Gifting Emmanuel Primary School and Lekoa Shandu Secondary School, the duo donated 30 soccer boots, with fifteen for each school, and added a brand-new kit for Shandu.
The donation was made possible through Lukasi Foundation and White Cross.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Luka ‘Lukastro’ Dlamini from Lukasi Foundation explained the reason for donations.
“We have realized the pupil’s needs in different schools, and for a change, we saw a greater need for sports apparel. We organized a donation drive that coincided with Mamaki’s birthday as her wish to give back to the community that supported her in business for many years,” he said.
“Seeing that there is an upcoming K Motsepe Foundation school soccer tournament, we then decided to gift two schools with soccer boots and kit. We approached White Cross as our great sponsor and understands the need of pupils. We chose the school because we are based closer to it and see the need for the school on a daily,” he said.
Lukastro said “We are the happiest trio to have made this day possible. It feels good to give back and the smiles of these kids make us happier,” he said.
Good Samaritan Moeti, explained her interest to give back.
“Balaboza has been a business in many communities for many years. The people of Sharpeville and other kasis where Balaboza is situated, supported us for all the years we’ve been in business, giving back to them is the little I could do,” she said.
Michael Mafabatho, an educator at Emmanuel welcomed the donation.
“We are very happy to have received this donation from Balaboza and Lukastro. No words can really express how we feel. It makes us proud that our school is among the chosen schools to receive this donation,” he said.
“This donation will enhance the interest of children in partaking in sports, seeing that their talent is taken seriously,” he added.
Lekoa Shandu principal Mncedisi Ngalo “We are equally excited to receive these donations. Our learners are always playing football, and a very strong team. We always support them, but if they don’t have this apparel, it makes their talent and motivation go down”.
