Faith leaders in Mhluzi have reached eight primary schools in their latest drive to support vulnerable learners.
For more than six years, the Greater Middelburg Pastors Forum has collected and donated new shoes every year at the start of the third school term in July.

On July 30, the forum distributed 111 pairs of school shoes across eight local primary schools, including Mvuzo, Mthombeni and Thushanang primary schools.

The forum chairperson, Ngoni Maseko, said they have spent six years addressing the hardship faced by learners in the area.

“We live here in the community. We see children walking with torn shoes, wearing sneakers, or walking completely barefoot. We decided to gather and collect shoes to give to those in need.”

According to Maseko, the project started by collecting 60 pairs of shoes and has grown over the years.

Maseko said to ensure that the assistance reaches the learners who need it most, the forum works directly with local school circuits.

He added that this partnership helps them receive accurate lists of vulnerable children along with their exact shoe sizes. “While the main focus is the annual July distribution, we also step in during emergency cases throughout the school year.”

Maseko explained that the pastors also support struggling families with food parcels and host annual community gatherings at local churches.

Tight budgets restrict reach to primary schools

Despite their distribution to date, Maseko stressed that current resources fall far short of the overwhelming demand.

He said pastors personally fund the initiative out of their own pockets, paying a monthly fee of R100 to cover office rent alongside their personal donations for shoes.

“Because of tight budgets, the project is currently limited to primary schools in Mhluzi. Expanding to high schools or neighbouring areas like Nazareth presents extra financial hurdles,” Maseko said. “In high schools, learners are older and prefer specific brands, whereas primary school children are content with standard shoes. If funding permits, we would love to cover high schools and surrounding areas, but our current resources limit us.”

Maseko highlighted that the hardest part is visiting a school and having to leave empty-handed children behind.

“Our goal is to cover at least 20 children per school. When we arrive at a school with only 12 or 13 pairs, we see many other needy children left out, some walking in worn-out shoes held together with tape. With more support, we can reach so many more,” Maseko added.

Pastors appeal for community donations

To support or donate to the school shoe initiative, visit their office located at 2085 HEDC Building, Reabota, 1055, behind the Mhluzi Police Station or contact Maseko on 082 670 1146 or email ligogomaseko@gmail.com.