DCM lends a hand in Lydenburg SAPS School Shoes Drive
This programme seeks to uplift vulnerable learners and enhance their confidence
Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) and Boleng Trust were among the main partners when the Lydenburg SAPS, in collaboration with Men for Change and the Women’s Network, donated sanitary pads, school shoes and uniforms to more than 250 learners.
The event, themed School Shoes Drive 2026, was held at the Mashishing Community Hall on February 6.
The beneficiaries were learners from local primary schools, namely Marambane, Marifaan, Lesodi, Sizo and Kwena Combined School. Some of the neediest learners also received full school uniforms.
Other partners included Ladies of Hope, York Timber, Phoenix Security and Mash FM, as well as government departments such as Home Affairs, Education, Health and Social Development. Mrs Mpumalanga Karin Stander was also in attendance to support the beneficiaries.
Representing the acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, Brigadier Nyathi B Gwanya said the purpose of the School Shoes Drive was to promote school safety and social crime prevention while providing identified learners with essential items.
“This programme seeks to uplift vulnerable learners, enhance their confidence and readiness to learn, and demonstrate a shared commitment between SAPS, stakeholders and the community to protect and support children’s education,” he said.
DCM’s sustainable development manager, Remember Mmbengwa, said the mine believes in meaningful partnerships. “We recently partnered with the Ngwaabe and Mashishing circuits to honour the best-performing matriculants, educators and schools.”
Mmbengwa emphasised the importance of impactful partnerships that provide continuous community support and encouraged local businesses to invest in the areas where they operate.
“Let us move away from a competitive attitude when doing community projects. We need to work together as stakeholders to make a meaningful and lasting difference,” he said.
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He added that uniform donations should be ongoing. “These donations give learners confidence. In six to seven months, uniforms are worn out, so initiatives like this should ideally take place each semester so that learners do not lose confidence when their uniforms deteriorate.”
Keynote speaker Cllr Friddah Nkadimeng, executive mayor of the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, said the SAPS initiative goes beyond material support.
“It is an investment in the dignity, confidence and overall well-being of our learners. When a child walks into a classroom with proper school shoes, they walk with pride, confidence and a renewed sense of belonging.”
She further highlighted that the collaboration among stakeholders sends a strong message that children matter and their future is worth investing in.
Mashishing Circuit manager TG Mokwena thanked SAPS and all partners for investing in education, saying the donations will enhance children’s eagerness to learn and succeed.
