Following an article in the Heidelberg Nigel Heraut on October 22, which highlighted the selfless efforts of 71-year-old Meisie Dlalisa, the community has rallied to support her mission.

Meisie has dedicated her time to repairing and mending schoolchildren’s clothes, ensuring every child feels confident and included at school.

“I want each child to feel worthy of attending school and not feel left out with broken and torn school clothes,” she said.

The article included a plea for a sewing machine that was no longer in use and could find a new home with Meisie, who had been performing all repairs, sewing, and darning by hand.

Several community members came forward to donate sewing machines.

Koos Bekker, a resident of the retirement village in Nigel, was among the first to respond.

Not only did he donate a machine, but he also had it fully serviced before handing it over to Meisie. The handover took place on October 27, with Koos and service technician Bossie van Dyk presenting the machine.

Meisie expressed her excitement at receiving the new equipment and said she was ready to continue her important work repairing school clothes in the community.

Those wishing to contact Meisie can reach her on 076 269 2889.