KwaDukuza man helps pupils walk into a brighter future

As a young man from rural Doringkop outside KwaDukuza, Nkanyiso Mngoma has regularly been confronted with the harsh reality of children from poor families going to school in broken shoes or none at all.

The enthusiastic entrepreneur and clothing designer recently decided he would be the change that he wanted to see in the world and has started the school shoe label “Inkanyiso Shoes”.

“I said instead of going around looking for donations, why don’t I make the shoes and sell them to the people who want to sponsor them. I also identify the schools where the need is greatest,” said Mngoma.

He also sells the shoes to the public.

The shoes sell for between R140 to R150 a pair, depending on the size, and about 20 pairs have been sold so far.

“The programme was started three weeks ago and so far I have about 400 kids on my database within the Ilembe region who are in need of school shoes. I am trying to find an organisation to buy the shoes for them,” said Mngoma.

He said his long term plan is to have a shoe factory based in a rural area, where he can train and employ locals. He strongly believes that supporting local products will help boost the country’s economy.

Mngoma is the creative director of Thembeni printings and Ekamu brands in KwaDukuza, making trendy T-shirts aimed at the student market.

So if you would like to sponsor a child a pair of school shoes contact Mngoma at 078 540 7052.

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