Over 100 learners from schools in KwaTsaDuza received much-needed school uniforms thanks to a donation drive led by ZigZag Café.

Schools like Shadrack Mbambo Primary, Vuyani Primary School, Silindokuhle Primary School and more were the beneficiaries of the new uniforms.

Teachers from beneficiary schools and learners gathered for the handover on June 24, which organisers hope will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children.

The café’s owner, Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, said the uniform drive began four years ago, when they would give toiletries to the school.

He shared that during early distributions, the team noticed a wider challenge affecting learners, particularly the lack of school uniforms.

“We could see that many children were not wearing school uniforms. We found children in very difficult conditions. That is when we started asking how best we can assist them and identify those in need,” he said.

The project later expanded from assisting a small number of learners in nearby townships to a structured programme working with schools across Ekurhuleni. Schools are now invited to participate and submit lists of learners in need.

“At first, we thought maybe 30 to 50 children, but later we decided to work with schools instead. Then it grew to about 200 children and continued expanding from there,” he said.

He added that the programme now supports around 1 000 learners and works in phases across different areas, including Gauteng and other provinces where there is demand.

Mkhwanazi said the drive prioritises quality uniforms that include jerseys, socks, ties and other essentials designed to last longer and support learners throughout the school year.

“We did not want to give uniforms that are not of quality. We want something that can last for a year,” he explained.

He said the team also considers urgent needs beyond uniforms, including basic clothing items for learners who may lack essentials such as belts or underwear.

“Sometimes a child does not even have a belt or proper clothing underneath. We try to assist where we can because these are sensitive issues,” he said.

He emphasised that school uniforms were chosen as the focus because of their impact on learners’ confidence and sense of equality.

Mkhwanazi said that a uniform gives a child confidence, and learners are dressed the same; no one feels less than the other.

He added that, unlike stationery, which is often provided through other channels, school uniforms remain a major financial burden for many families.

The owner also reflected on his personal experience, saying he understands the challenges learners face when they lack proper school clothing.

“I know how it feels. I did not have a proper school uniform in my days. I feel I could have done even better if I had the same opportunities as other children,” he said.

He encouraged other businesses to join similar initiatives, saying collective effort would make a greater impact.

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“If more businesses get involved, it will make a bigger difference. Sometimes you help 20 learners and there are still 40 more in need. We cannot sleep knowing there are still children who need help,” he said.

Mkhwanazi hopes that the initiative also aims to create a culture of giving back, with the hope that beneficiaries will one day support others in return.

“We want this to become a chain. When these children grow up and succeed, they must come back and help others,” he said.

One of the schools that received new uniforms was NN Ndebele Secondary School in Duduza, and the teacher, Itumeleng Macotolle, expressed gratitude to the organisers for assisting learners who face challenges in accessing proper school attire.

“We are pleased to see the learners receiving uniforms, and we are grateful to the organisers for assisting some of our learners because it is a very big need in our school,” said Macotolle.

She highlighted the importance of school uniforms in helping learners feel included and confident at school.

“I think it is very important because it shows them that there are people who actually care about their education. A school uniform is a big part of their identity.

“If you do not have a uniform at school, you might be bullied. At least now they can look like the other children,” she explained.

Macotolle said initiatives such as these demonstrate that local businesses care about the well-being and future of young people in their communities.

“They are very important because they show that business owners care about the community and not just about the profits they are making. More especially, they care about children and their future,” she said.

The donation was met with great excitement from the learners selected to receive the uniforms.

She said the 30 beneficiaries were delighted to receive new school uniforms, which would help boost their confidence and ease the financial burden on their families.

Macotolle thanked the organisers for their generosity and encouraged them to continue making a difference in the lives of young people.

“I would just like to say we are grateful for what they have done for all the learners, not just our school. May they continue to do so for other people and the community at large.

“May God bless them. Whatever they took from themselves, it will be returned ten times more,” she concluded.