Jeepers shut down Youth Day in Soweto

Jeep Nation dedicated the commemoration of Youth Day by leading one of their biggest charity initiatives to date, revamping Thabisile Primary school in Diepkloof.

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The jeepers ushered about 70 Jeeps from different parts of South Africa and neighbouring countries on a convoy to Soweto, where a hive of activities had been planned for the learners.

The charity event is part of their national calendar, crisscrossing the continent aiding underdeveloped and impoverished communities.

South Side Cartel member, Vuyo Lumko said, “It was a long build up to this productive day today, the response from the community and the learners has been overwhelming. As a former learner, this is where I started, this is the community that brought me up. I am proud of what we have been able to achieve in bringing this school back to life.”

One of the major concerns at the school was the dilapidated toilet system, with only eight cubicles shared by 490 learners.

Lumko slammed this, citing this was a major concern. The school he said was unmaintained and posed a health risk for the children.

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The group gave the entire school a fresh coat of paint, refurbished the toilets, guard room and distributed winter essentials to learners.

“For us it is about restoring dignity, and changing the narrative for these learners. This is a massive first for the Jeep Nation.

“We are committed to adopting the school. We have direct communication with the principal so this is our school, our project especially as the South Side Cartel so we are not done.”

School Principal, Solvey Mokoke said he could not contain his excitement, citing that the refurbishments will immensely improve the learning environment.

He said the event was a motivation to learners that they too can be successful despite their backgrounds.

“The school was first built in 1956, making it almost 70 years old. The school because of its age is falling apart, toilet not working and in addition to that the school was established as a pre-primary for grade 1- 3 but now it goes up to grade 7 so the toilets are not enough to service all our learners as the number has increased but we are happy that this is finally happening,” an elated Mokoke said.

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The group proceeded in a convoy to different parts of Soweto, retracing the famous walk of the 1976 uprising to where it started at Morris Isaacson High School– where they hooted and flew SA flags in honour of the fallen heroes and heroianes.

“The reason we are able to drive these cars is because the youth of 1976 paved a way for us.

“Stood up against the then government because they believed in a course, they believe in their rights.

“If my mom had a matric then it is up to me to change the circle for my family and community,” Lumko concluded.