The day started with activities. Pupils displayed their skills at reading, singing and dancing as a way of welcoming the donors. Second in command of Army Support Base Mpumalanga, Maj Ntobe Mashau, motivated the learners to stay positive, despite the challenges they face in life.

“Challenges are part of life. If you do not have school shoes, it does not mean you must stop going to school. If you want to be something in life you need to study hard to pass and push beyond boundaries. Through this initiative we want to ensure that children are equipped to start their school year with positive energy, despite the challenges of Covid-19.

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With the right tools and a ready mindset to learn you are all going to overcome the challenges you face,” he said.

The school principal, Nohlanhla Myeni, thanked the donors and encouraged them to keep doing the good work that they do. “It is my first time seeing the SANDF and the SAPS jointly giving back to the community. I always see them in operations, but today what we are witnessing here is amazing and will go a long way in making a difference in the lives of these children. My wish for you is that this great job we are seeing does not end here with us, but goes on to the others who are in need like us. This is proof that working together brings great results,” she said.