Sbonga’s gift empowers her to walk tall

WHEN Sbongakonke Ngubane (5) started school earlier this year, she walked barefoot and without a school uniform.

With her being raised by a frail and partially blind grandmother, the young girl from KwaDlangezwa had no hope her situation would ever improve.

She attended school in her casual clothes and was constantly teased by others, until a Good Samaritan last week empowered her with the ability to walk tall.

Sbongakonke was one of the uniform recipients at eMantshangule Junior Primary School, which was visited by former pupil Zime Mpanza of Siwela Youth Project.

She donated full uniforms, which included tracksuits, shirts, socks and shoes, to 10 disadvantaged children.

‘I firstly wanted to help other children in the school, but when Sbonga saw me she politely said ‘Mama I also need this’, and it touched my heart.

‘I rushed to the shop to buy her the uniform because she had made such a great impression on me,’ said Mpanza.

‘When I met her she just had old oversize shoes that were also donated to her, but she couldn’t walk properly in those.

‘What touched me even more is when I handed over the uniform she smiled and said ‘God bless you’.

‘Even in her current situation she is still a bubbly and respective child with an incredible smile,’

Sbonga currently stays with her grandmother who supports her on her meagre pension grant.