Learners get much needed help
“We encourage the learners to come to school and not to feel discouraged because of their family background."

Men for Development in South Africa (MEDSA), in partnership with South African Breweries (SAB), paid a special visit at Eqinisweni Secondary School and handed over 47 pairs of school shoes and ties to the learners on Friday last week.
Speaking during the event, MEDSA executive director, Ozee Phiri, said they want to build men in all levels of the society to become responsible, respecting, caring, vigilant and well behaved citizens who will stand up against any problems threatening the freedom of the country and well-being of every citizen.
“We encourage the learners to come to school and not to feel discouraged because of their family background. They should know that they can become better people. We want to change their attitude about crime and violence against women and children. Every Tuesday we come to the school to speak to them about issues of domestic violence,” he said.
Ozee added that they want to combat gender-based violence through sports.
“We will launch a tavern intervention programme soccer tournament at Rabie Ridge on Thursday. It is held annually during the 16 Days of Activism. Men should take part in their communities and do positive things,” he added. The pupils were also given manuals that teach them about domestic violence. Ward 79 Councillor, Petros Zitha and Red Devils FC captain, Hlodi Ramaru, attended the event and urged the learners to concentrate on their studies. They also urged the learners to respect and listen to every elder, which includes their teachers. Meanwhile, SAB representatives Sylvester Ndaba shared a bit of his background with the learners and encouraged them to remain dedicated, diligent, determined and to tell themselves that they can make it.
“A healthy body creates a healthy mind. We want the learners to break the cycle of poverty by getting education and to resist peer pressure, which will lead them to social illnesses such as drug and substance abuse. It is very important for them to get education, as it is the key to success,” he said.
Ndaba added that learners should set goals up-front and focus on what is important right now. School learner, John Sithebe (15), thanked the visitors for the donation and information shared among them. “We have learnt a lot from MEDSA and SAB, and we hope to impress them at the end of the year. I am extremely excited for the shoes because I only had one pair. I will start exchanging like those who have many pairs,” he concluded.