Mall showers learners with back-to-school essentials

East Rand Mall kicked off its 2026 campaign on 18 February, delivering shoes, stationery, and hygiene products to local schools.

February 21, 2026

Luccia Mashel 1 minute read

Arveen Singh (Tshisusu Foundation), Tshepiso Kgowana (East Rand Mall marketing manager), Romano Hartnieck (East Rand Mall) and Raymond Tekana (Reiger Park Secondary principal).

The East Rand Mall launched its 2026 Back-to-School Campaign on February 18, bringing together tenants, learners, and the community to brighten the start of the new school year.

Marketing manager Tshepiso Kgowana explained the campaign is about more than just shopping; it’s about supporting local schools and creating opportunities for young people.

“The primary objective was to stimulate economic activity in January by creating temporary employment opportunities for learners.
“Learners were appointed to wrap textbooks in the mall for shoppers who spent R500 or more on stationery at participating stores in the mall.

“This initiative marked the second annual campaign of its kind, following the success of the 2025 drive during which 200 pairs of school shoes were collected for New Comet Primary School.”

Drommedaris school learners together with the East Rand Mall, Tshisusu Foundation, and Sorbert staff.

Some of the staff of Drommedaris Primary with East Rand Mall staff.

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Kgowana added that in addition, the centre provided tenants with the opportunity to contribute to the initiative by donating school shoes and sanitary pads for local schools.

“The first outreach visit took place at Oosrand School of Specialisation in Reiger Park where 350 textbooks were wrapped for a Grade Nine class of 50 learners. The Tshisusu Foundation partnered with East Rand Mall on the initiative.

Goedehoop Primary School learners and East Rand Mall staff.

During the main event on February 18, the East Rand Mall team delivered donations to several schools.
“At Goedehoop Primary, 210 pairs of school shoes were handed over, Drommedaris Primary learners received 100 packets of sanitary pads, 100 pencil cases and 100 roll-on deodorants, while Reiger Park Secondary learners received 100 packets of sanitary pads and 100 pencil cases.

“Several of our tenants not only contributed items but also travelled with the team to personally deliver these,” Kgowana said.

The mall thanked Sorbet, John Dory’s and Eden Perfumes for their hands-on support.
“Through this campaign, we hope to reach even more schools this year. It’s all about supporting and empowering one school at a time.”
The principal of Goedehoop Primary, Patrica Peter, welcomed the donations, saying these will go a long way as the learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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