Blessed Generation Foundation expands nationwide school shoe campaign

The Blessed Generation Foundation NPO is advancing its Road to 100 000 Pairs of Shoes back-to-school campaign, aimed at supporting learners across all nine provinces of South Africa and in Eswatini.

Through partnerships with Chery South Africa, including branches in Midrand, Ladysmith, Gqeberha, Ermelo and Cape Gate, as well as the company’s King of Customers (KOCs) community, the foundation has already distributed thousands of pairs of school shoes to underprivileged learners.

The campaign has also received support from public figures such as Sbali of Nkabi Nation, DJ Zinhle, actor NJ of IThonga, and Lihle Mandlomo Dela, helping to raise awareness and encourage community involvement.

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While the target of 100 000 pairs is still being pursued, each donation contributes towards restoring dignity and ensuring learners can attend school with confidence.

Founder Phumeza Phiwani said schools are identified through a community-based approach.

“We work closely with school principals, teachers, social workers, community leaders and ward councillors to verify areas with the greatest need. In many cases, schools reach out to us directly after learning about our work,” she said.

Priority is given to schools where learners attend classes without proper footwear or basic resources, particularly in township and rural communities.

Phiwani highlighted poverty as one of the biggest challenges affecting learners in areas such as Thembisa.

“This often results in a lack of basic necessities such as proper footwear, school uniforms, food security and, in some cases, adequate adult supervision due to unemployment,” she said.

She added that addressing these challenges requires long-term, collaborative solutions involving community upliftment programmes, parental empowerment, improved access to social services, and partnerships between the public and private sectors.

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“Our foundation believes that restoring dignity through small but impactful interventions, such as providing school shoes, can be the first step towards breaking this cycle,” she said.

Phiwani noted that while lasting solutions will take time, progress is possible through consistent collaboration between government, NGOs, the private sector and communities.

“Equal opportunities for learners will be realised when basic needs are no longer treated as charity, but as fundamental rights. Until then, initiatives like ours remain essential in bridging the gap,” she said.

Reflecting on the campaign, Phiwani said one of the most rewarding moments is witnessing a child receive their first pair of school shoes.

“These moments are often filled with tears, smiles and renewed confidence. Seeing a learner walk into school proudly, feeling equal to their peers, is something that stays with us forever,” she said.

The foundation plans to expand its outreach through additional education support, youth development initiatives and empowerment programmes.

One of its upcoming events is a Women Empowerment Conference scheduled for April 25, aimed at uplifting and equipping women through dialogue, skills development and shared experiences.

“The Blessed Generation Foundation remains committed to working alongside communities, not only through donations but by creating long-term social impact,” Phiwani said.