Mondi employees donate uniforms to Wentworth learners
The 20 learners from previously disadvantaged communities who benefited from the programme will each have a new school uniform and shoes next year.
MONDI Paper Mill donated Christmas gift boxes to 20 learners coming from previously disadvantaged communities in Wentworth and surrounding areas on December 6.
A member of Umbilo Secondary School’s governing body, Andre de Bruin, said the donation would go a long way to helping children and parents.
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“Learners who come from struggling families find their school uniform to be of great importance, both to themselves and to us. In today’s society, children are often judged as foolish if they are not wearing the correct uniform.
“We are confident that these children will wear their uniforms with pride and honour. As the SGB, we are forever grateful that Mondi has chosen Umbilo Secondary School for this partnership and we sincerely hope it will continue for many years.
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“Umbilo is a high-achieving school, with teachers who are committed to delivering the best education possible to the children,” said de Bruin.
Thokozani Zitha from Mondi Paper said the Christmas Box drive is an annual initiative that Mondi employees organise, and this year marks its 13th year.
“It is a drive that we aim to continue in the future. Over the years, there has been exponential growth, with people wanting to participate, even from abroad. Mondi operates in over 30 countries. The boxes contain a school uniform and school shoes,” said Zitha.
In a report issued by the South African Human Rights Commission in January this year, the commission raised concerns that the cost of school uniforms can be prohibitive, leading to a lack of access to education for some learners.
School principal Rowena Maharaj thanked Mondi employees for the contribution made at the school.
“We know that our learners are struggling with social ills in our community, but Mondi has given them an opportunity to come back stronger in 2025,” said Maharaj.
She said the 20 beneficiaries were chosen based on their academic excellence and socio-economic background.
The programme aims to encourages learners to do even better
“A learner will perform even better academically if he or she had pride in their appearance. Given the social ills in the Wentworth community, it becomes difficult for learners to study if there is no electricity, water and other basic necessities. Mondi’s Ubuntu ensures they can give more to everyone,” said Maharaj.
She thanked Roslyn King, one of the community workers, for playing an instrumental role in assisting the school in obtaining the donation from Mondi. King, a former learner at the school and a resident of Wentworth, runs a community NPO called Women with Voices.
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