With the new academic year underway, the Mall of the South (Mots) reinforced its commitment to education and sustainable community development through its partnership with the My Walk initiative.

The mall donated 49 pairs of durable school shoes to Kibler Park Secondary School, helping boost vulnerable learners’ confidence and comfort.

Teachers and the principal identified learners most in need, ensuring the Back-to-School initiative supports children for whom proper school shoes are not guaranteed.

For many learners, suitable footwear is essential to maintaining dignity and fully participating in their education.

The initiative also delivered a strong sustainability impact. Through My Walk, non-hazardous medical waste, such as drip bags and tubing, is safely collected and sanitised from Netcare hospitals across Gauteng. This material is then repurposed into quality school shoes.

The circular manufacturing process reduces landfill waste and promotes responsible environmental practices.

Hester Smith , the Mots centre manager, said, “As learners return to the classroom, they deserve to do so with dignity, confidence and the right support behind them.

“This Back-to-School season is about more than stationery and uniforms. It is about restoring hope, building self-esteem and ensuring every child is equipped to learn. At the same time, the Mall of the South is committed to sustainability, and this partnership shows how we support environmentally responsible initiatives that create real social impact.”

Mr Mukwevho, the principal, was thankful for the support, “We are grateful to the Mall of the South and the My Walk initiative for this donation. Proper school shoes make a real difference to our learners. We value this partnership and look forward to working together on future initiatives that support our learners and school community.”

To date, My Walk has diverted more than 59 427kg of healthcare waste from landfill. For every ton of PVC material recycled and repurposed, an estimated 1.5t of greenhouse gases are prevented from entering the atmosphere. This highlights how innovative solutions can benefit people and the environment.

“This initiative is an investment in our community’s future and the well-being of our environment,” added Smith.
“We are proud to support learners as they begin their Back-to-School journey, and equally proud to back initiatives that help protect our planet.”

The Mots’ initiative is part of Redefine Properties’ broader environmental, social, and governance strategy, which focuses on measurable impact across three key pillars:

• Environmental: Reducing carbon emissions and promoting circular economy practices;

• Social: Empowering communities through education, dignity and inclusivity;

• Governance: Building partnerships that support accountability and long-term sustainability.

By supporting My Walk, the Mots contributes directly to Redefine’s goals for waste diversion, carbon reduction and community upliftment. The initiative demonstrates how retail centres can play a meaningful role in driving environmental responsibility and positive social change.