Gumede twins care for children

Last year’s Grade R learners at Tshepang Care Centre will step with confidence and put their best feet forward as they begin big school.

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The centre’s pre-school cares for underprivileged children and out of the 25 learners, they had 15 graduates last year. Every year, the pre-school hosts a graduation for the graduates to help celebrate their next phase in their schooling career.

Among the items on the wish list for the graduation ceremony were school shoes.

“The children work very hard throughout the year and we often include presents on the wish list,” said the centre’s Patience Ramashapa.

“Although it is always a nice gesture to gift our children and congratulate them on going to big school, we also consider their needs, which is why we include school shoes on the wish list.”

Ramashapa explained that the pre-school cares for the children at no cost.

“Most of the children’s parents are unemployed and are unable to pay pre-school fees and in some cases results in children not attending school,” explained Ramashapa.

“We, therefore, provide Early Childhood Development (ECD) to the children.”

The parents and management at the centre were humbled when they received communication from the Gumede Twinz Foundation (GTF).

“I was very emotional when I received a call from the foundation to inform us that they will donate all 15 school shoes,” Ramashapa joyously shared.

Phumlani Gumede, the co-founder of GTF, said the donation ties in well with what the foundation stands for.

“When we were made aware of the centre’s wish list, we knew that we had to assist,” said Phumlani.

“Although we are a sports development organisation, our main values are centred on the development of children in various aspects of their lives, including educational, sports, social and skills development.

“Education is among the factors that play a major role in a child’s life and as GTF we value this point, and it is for this reason that we decided to gift the graduates with school shoes.”

The children were also given snacks on the day. With a name on each shoe, pride, joy and tears filled the eyes of the children and some of the parents present on donation day.

“It was really heartwarming to be able to help and seeing the joy when the children opened their gifts was truly humbling,” said Philani Gumede, another co-founder of GTF.

“As GTF, we know the importance of education and nurturing children at a young age to ensure a proper childhood foundation that will help them succeed as they grow.”

Phumlani and Philani are identical twins and professional soccer players.

“We were moved when we were given a tour of the centre, learnt more about its history and the children at the centre and we realised that we want to do more,” added Philani.

The Gumede twins said they have identified key areas of need and stated that the foundation has an ongoing relationship with the centre and would assist where possible.

One of the mothers of the graduates, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We are truly grateful for what the foundation has done for our children. I am happy that my child is going to Grade One but was also stressed when looking at all the costs involved and you have just lifted a huge weight off our shoulders. I am truly humbled, be blessed.”

Ramashapa also told Express that things have been difficult since the start of the pandemic.

“We have been struggling since the hard lockdown, the number of donations we were receiving had dropped and it makes it difficult because we rely on donations,” explained Ramashapa.

“We didn’t know if the children were going to receive the school shoes, but joy filled our hearts when GTF stepped in, we appreciate it.”

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