Birthday gesture brings hope to Thembisa learners in need of school shoes

Zodwa Masuku marked her birthday by giving back to learners in Thembisa, inspired by her own challenging upbringing.

As a learner, Masuku was forced to attend school barefoot, not by choice, but due to her family’s financial circumstances, which made it impossible to afford proper school shoes throughout the year.

“Growing up, my parents could not afford proper school shoes for me, which meant I had to go to school barefoot.

“I remember one winter day walking to school without shoes. It was so cold that I could no longer feel my legs. When the sun came out, the pain was intense, as if I was being stabbed with a syringe, as my legs adjusted to the warmth,” she recalled.

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Masuku said her experiences motivated her to support learners facing similar hardships and to encourage them to accept help when it is offered.

“I want to encourage learners to accept their situation and accept help, as they did not choose to be in these circumstances.

“We also live in a time where some learners engage in substance abuse or make life choices they are not financially prepared for, such as having children at a young age. While I do not promote this, I cannot stand by and watch learners suffer. I would like to see them supported, as they did not plan to become addicts,” she said.

On March 20, Masuku and her team donated 40 pairs of school shoes to Emangweni Primary School and Tlamatlama Primary School, with each school receiving 20 pairs. The initiative formed part of her birthday celebration.

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This marks the second time Masuku has undertaken such a gesture.

This year, she went a step further by also providing two birthday cakes, one for each school, as a way of celebrating with the learners. She said she believes education played a crucial role in shaping her future, despite the hardships she faced as a child.

“I feel very happy to be able to help these learners with the little that I have. I give from what I have, even if it is not much.

“I also want to encourage others to understand that you do not need to be wealthy to make a difference. Whatever you have, you can share.

“I hope to see these learners succeed and overcome the challenges they face,” she added.

Her efforts were met with positive feedback from school stakeholders, who expressed appreciation for the gesture.

Educators, who work closely with learners daily, highlighted the significant impact such donations have, particularly for those in need of school uniforms and shoes.