Drive for school shoes and sanitary pads held in Kwa-Thema

Kwa-Thema – Bhodla Let’s Talk held a drive for shoes and sanitary pads in Kwa-Thema on Tuesday.
Bhodla collected donations from those who asked them to, and also received money, which they used to buy shoes.
The drive was founded about three years ago by Phume Sibisi-Khethanga, a businesswoman, pastor’s wife and a star of the reality show Pastors’ Wives on DStv’s Honey channel.

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“My late husband and I saw the need in Kwa-Thema and wanted to assist. I’m a servant of the Lord. Serving and looking after others in need is a way of showing God’s love for His people.
“We have so many children in our community who need help. A school shoe can make a difference in building a child’s confidence and love for school.
“Imagine walking to school barefoot, or not being able to attend school because you don’t have sanitary pads.
“No child should miss school because they don’t have all the resources.
“In this campaign, I carry the message that it takes a village to raise a child. I want people to take that proverb and really understand its meaning. As a community, we need to cover those in need, and it does not have to be done only once.

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“We can start with buying a pair of shoes and can do much more as a community.
“I know we all have our struggles, but some need help more than others, and with this act of kindness for these children, you can plant a seed of hope in them to push through life’s difficult moments and dream of a better future,” said Sibisi-Khethanga.
She said they are unsure of the number of learners they donate to, but it’s more than 50.
“It also depends on the number we receive from the schools we work with, and we work on that.
“But since we started, we have been able to cater for all the requests we have received from schools.
“Our target this year is 200 shoes and 300 sanitary pads. If we get more, that means helping more children.”
According to Sibisi-Khethanga, the teachers identify the children in need and get the necessary information on the learner.
“We work with teachers because they spend time with the children and know those who are in dire need.
“So, it’s done with dignity. We protect the children and do not do the handover in front of the school. We do it privately because we want to restore hope and dignity in these children,” said Sibisi-Khethanga.
The schools they have worked with are Ntokozweni Primary, Masimini Primary, Msobomvu Primary, Theo Thwala Primary, and Tshimong Primary.
“Those who are interested in supporting our campaign can contact us on 076 0355 872, or email us at bhodlaletstalk@gmail.com. We collect, or they can deposit money into our account. We will buy for them and send them proof of purchase,” concluded Sibisi-Khethanga