THE Pavilion Shopping Centre responded to a call for help by donating 230 pairs of school shoes to underprivileged children at Chesterville Secondary School, located just a stone’s throw from the centre. The donation was part of a larger initiative in which local businesses contributed a total of 830 school shoes to four different schools in the area.

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The initiative was sparked by Ward 24 Councillor Mtha Makhathini, who approached Pavilion management with a request to assist students in need.
Julie-Anne Zuma, Pavilion’s marketing manager, said the centre was more than willing to lend a helping hand.
“We were delighted to assist. It’s easy to take for granted the necessity of everyday items like school shoes, but for many young learners in Chesterville, a new pair of shoes makes all the difference in starting the school year with confidence,” said Zuma.

Cllr Makhathini commended local businesses for their support and praised the schools in Ward 24 for their outstanding matric results.
“For the first time last year, Chesterville Secondary School achieved a 100% matric pass rate. In fact, all the schools in our ward performed exceptionally well. We must celebrate our teachers for their dedication and incredible work,” he said.

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Chesterville Secondary School principal, Sicelo Mncube, expressed his gratitude, emphasising the impact of the donation.
“This generosity will go a long way. Some learners get teased for not having proper shoes, and others stay home because their shoes are too worn out. This donation not only gives them dignity but also motivates them to come to school. These shoes will quite literally take children off the streets and bring them into the classroom,” said Mncube.
Mncube, who made history as the first principal to achieve a 100% pass rate in the school’s 71-year history, credited patience, teamwork, and the dedication of his educators for the success.
Despite challenges such as broken windows, doors, and roofing issues, he remains committed to improving the school’s environment.
“We will continue to soldier on,” he said.

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