Impendulo Primary School was filled with joy when they received 34 donated uniforms last week.
Members of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) donated the full school uniforms, which included shoes, vests, shirts, trousers, under-wear, skirts, jerseys, bomber jackets and socks, to the school in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, on Friday.
The elated school principal, Thozama Zilwa, said the pupils could now focus on their work and not be embarrassed about broken clothing.
“We are happy as a school because this means a lot to our children. These children will now feel like real pupils. They will up their school work and performance. But not only that, they will rise up and show their sporting skills. But we can say without doubt that, their confidence will be up,” she said.
Sassa district senior manager, Ananias Kgare, who was part of the delegation said the agency has always supported education and helping young people to reach their full potential. He said Sassa’s social relief of distress programme restored the dignity of the pupils by giving needy and qualifying pupils receive school uniforms.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the learners of the school and believe that our support and contribution will bring about a brighter future for the community. The donation is about restoring dignity to the children and helping the parents who cannot afford it,” he said.
He added that as a government organisation, they were committed to making sure that all children have the resources they need to succeed at school.
Khayelitsha Sassa deputy manager, Freddie Sidali, added that the school was the first in Khayelitsha to get uniforms this year. He said the agency donated R5 500 for each girl and R5 350 for each boy child for the uniforms, which were manufactured by local business people.
School teacher Mandisa Tshabhile, who co-ordinated the donation, said children who needed uniforms were identified by their class teachers.
Parents said they appreciated the gesture.
Parent, Jabulani Skade, said he was very thankful because a school uniform is expensive. He said it was a painful experience to see his only daughter going to school with broken shoes, a jersey and with no jacket.
“It is a big relief for me as an unemployed father. This has nearly brought me to tears. My daughter will now go to school with pride. Her R350 social grant money will focus on something else, like food, even though it is not enough but it will make a big change,” he said.
Another parent, Kholeka Ntsendwana, said with the social grant she gets from Sassa, she was battling to buy her daughter a proper school uniform.
“The school and Sassa relieved my stress about my child’s school uniform. I am delighted to be among those who have received the uniform. I am lost for words. The only thing I can say is, thank you,” she said.
