Kwa-Thema – In a heart-warming church service held at Calvary Bible Church International in Kwa-Thema, Bhodla Lets Talk, a local NPO, handed over school shoes to its beneficiaries on February 11.
The initiative, spearheaded by Bhodla Lets Talk’s founder Phume Khethang, aims to address the pressing need for school shoes for underprivileged school children in Kwa-Thema.
Recognising the impact a proper school shoe can have on a child’s education and overall well-being, the organisation rallied support from local businesses and community members to collect donations of new and gently used shoes.
The founder, who is a businesswoman, pastor’s wife, and a TV personality from the reality show Pastors’ Wives on DStv’s Honey channel, said this year’s drive was bittersweet for her because this was the second year without her late husband.
“My late husband and I saw the need in Kwa-Thema and wanted to assist. I’m a servant of the Lord and I will always serve where there is a need.
“So, I asked my friends and family to buy school shoes instead of buying me a birthday gift, as my birthday was on February 7,” said Phume.
Speaking at the event, Phume expressed her gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the success of the shoe drive and thanked Isenzo Logistics who made most of the donations possible.
“The overwhelming support we’ve received is humbling. It means people believe in what we do. Especially Vijay Lalla and his family. They have been amazing,” said Phume.
She also said by providing children with school shoes, they are not only enhancing their educational opportunities but also instilling a sense of dignity and self-confidence. Beneficiaries this year were from Masimini, Msobomvu, Theo Twala, Tshimong and Mzomsha primary schools.
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“This year our demand has grown from Grade One to Grade Six, this shows the need. For many families facing financial constraints, the donation of shoes alleviated a significant burden and allowed them to redirect scarce resources towards other essential needs,” said Phume.
The drive is continuing for those interested in donating.
“We are going to be collecting throughout the year because of the demand we had from the drive,” said Phume.
She said Bhodla is also working on a Bhodla youth soccer tournament.
“We would like to invite community members to join us in our ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Also, empowering our youth through different activities that way we will see a mindset change,” said Phume.
Bhodla School Shoes has donated over 1 000 shoes since its inception.
