Birch Acres Primary joins hands with SASSA to help the needy

To support struggling parents and minimise bullying and discrimination at schools, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) partnered with Birch Acres Primary School principal, Nompumelelo Mkhonza, to provide school uniforms to needy learners.

Sassa visited the school on March 10 to hand over school uniforms to the selected learners.

On assuming her role as principal, Mkhonza identified learners struggling because of a lack of proper school uniforms and she took action.

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Although she wished to assist every learner, only a limited number could be helped.

Mkhonza shared that her previous experience working in a disadvantaged area inspired her to continue giving back.

“I previously taught in a disadvantaged area where Sassa sponsored school uniforms, and when I joined Birch Acres Primary School, I also identified children in need here.

“Although this is a no-fee school, there are still many learners who require assistance,” said Mkhonza.

Mkhonza sought sponsorship for the initiative, and Sassa responded positively.

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The foundation phase learners warmly welcomed the parents and visitors with song, while the school’s head girl and head boy shared words of encouragement on behalf of the prefects. The intermediate phase learners also performed for the parents.

One parent, Tshifiwa Themeli, expressed gratitude for the donation, “My child needed this. If you had seen the state of her old uniform, you would understand how much this means to us.

“Now she will look presentable, and since untidy children are often teased, this is truly a blessing for my family. I am so thankful to the school and Sassa,” said Themeli.

Each identified learner received a uniform package worth R5 500, which included a full school uniform and extras such as underwear, vests, and tights for girls.

This support ensures financial relief for parents for at least two to three years.

Both Sassa and the school aimed to create a sense of belonging among learners, recognising that some parents are unemployed and struggle to afford uniforms.

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They invited the parents to apply for this assistance, after which Sassa conducted a screening process to determine eligibility. They made a follow-up visit for uniform sizing.

According to Maureen Ngubane, Sassa’s assistant manager for customer care in Ekurhuleni, they distributed 51 uniform packages.

“We want to encourage children not to stay home because they do not have a school uniform.

“We also want them to feel they belong, to look the same as their peers, which brings them joy.

“Children can be teased for wearing torn clothing, so we want to bring a message that we are in this together. By providing these uniforms, we help eliminate visible differences between learners,” said Ngubane.

This initiative forms part of Sassa’s Social Relief of Distress programme, which supports disadvantaged communities.