Empowering education: Thabo Mbeki community receives back-to-school donations

Umzila Omhle, a non-profit organisation based in the Thabo Mbeki informal settlement, has partnered with a corporate sponsor to ease the financial burden on many families by donating back-to-school stationery.

The initiative, held on Monday, January 2, at Shekainah Ministries Church in Philippi East, provided 80 pupils from various schools with school bags filled with stationery, learning materials, books, and additional physical education resources.

Founded in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Umzila Omhle was established to support families facing severe financial strain. Founder Buzwe Kali said the organisation aims to uplift the education of black children, particularly those living in informal settlements.

“Unemployment is high, and living conditions are often challenging in our communities,” said Mr Kali.

“As an organisation, we chose to restore the dignity of a black child through education.”

He emphasised that Umzila Omhle collaborates closely with other community partners, including Lerato’s Hope, Beautiful Gate, and Shekainah Ministries Church.

“We do not work alone. We are a small organisation, but we are making every effort to develop people in the Thabo Mbeki community,” he said, adding that partnerships are essential to ensure that no child is left behind.

“Parents need support in developing their children. There is a lot of crime in this country, and education is one way to protect our children’s future. Our economy is weak, so we must walk this journey of education together with them,” he said.

The back-to-school initiative empowered pupils and families at the start of the academic year, reinforcing education as a pathway to dignity and opportunity.

Buhlebezwe Manual, who represents the corporate sponsor that specialises in diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators, expressed the company's strong belief that education is key to building a better future.

“We are giving what little we have so that children can be educated,” he said, appealing to pupils to take care of items such as scientific calculators, which are costly.

The company's marketer, Viwe Madolo, encouraged the pupils to have a vision for their future. “Visualise yourselves as future leaders, even as presidents of this country,” she said.

The event was also attended by Democratic Alliance Proportional Representative Councillor Betty Makinana, who motivated the children to love themselves and value their education.

“These organisations have shown that there are still people who care and who believe that education is the best investment for our children,” she said.

“I hope the learners will honour the support they have received.”

Find Vukani on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza