The Independent Residents of South Africa (IRASA) which has been running since 2020 is committed to the empowerment of Mofolo North and surrounding townships.
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This time, a school donation drive which took place at Dorothy Nyembe Park last Thursday to mark the start of the new academic year in the province left tongues wagging.
The initiative sponsored by Fezile Security distributed school shoes to needy learners from eight surrounding schools in Ward 47.
The organisation which primarily deals with community development said they were ecstatic that the drive was a success.
Mantombi Molale, General Secretary of IRASA said, “It really has been a beautiful thing to be able to give to our community. We thank Fezile Securities for joining us and seeing this vision come to life, especially in the short period of time, he did not even hesitate.”
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The initiative which was a first for the group successfully handed over a total of 90 pairs of new shoes to learners.
“Some of these learners come from improvised homes and we firmly believe that no child should ever experience that or have to worry about what they will wear tomorrow.
“Seeing the big smiles on the learners is what really makes it all worthwhile. This in fact was merely the beginning, we would love to see it become an annual drive,” she concluded.
Deputy Principal, Mike Makhwara of UVuyo Primary School expressed immense gratitude to both organisations citing that the initiative would have a big impact.
“Today reminds me of my own journey when I had to go to school without shoes, there were about five of us in the whole school,” he recalled.
“As an educator there is nothing more heart wrenching than seeing a learner suffering and you are unable to assist.
“We try but sometimes fail so we are thankful that we have such community leaders that can identify the gap. This is what humanity is, something which has been lost.”
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Christine Manyaka of Phakamani Primary School thanked the organisations and their sponsors.
“Thanks to the donors and sponsors who made this day possible, we are truly humbled.
“We thank God for this day because without God none of this would be happening.
“We are thankful that He has done wonders for our children so they can look like other children in class,” Manyaka concluded.
