Speaker and Masterpiece empower learners with shoe donations
By combining leadership and youth influence, Clr Nombuso Shabangu and Masterpiece created a moment of unity and inspiration for the schools.
The Speaker of the Council of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Clr Nombuso Millicent Shabangu, joined hands with an artist, entertainer, and youth influencer, Thabang Kganakga, popularly known as Masterpiece or Bae wama 2000, to bring hope and encouragement to learners in Kwa-Guqa and Tasbet.
The initiative was held on February 3.
They donated school shoes and sanitary towels to T.P. Sililo Secondary School in Kwa-Guqa Extensions and iLanga Secondary School in Tasbet.
The initiative was sparked when Masterpiece reached out to Nombuso, expressing his desire to assist less fortunate learners. With the support of sponsors, the vision became a reality.
During the handover, Nombuso shared her personal journey with the learners, recalling how she was raised by her grandmother and grew up under challenging circumstances.
She emphasised that her own experiences as a less fortunate child shaped her determination to succeed and inspired her to give back.
“There’s nothing wrong with a child that doesn’t have anything. We don’t make fun of them,” said Nombuso.
She explained that bringing Masterpiece along was intentional, as she believes young people are more motivated when they hear from someone they admire.
“When we deal with young ones, we believe we should bring them someone they love, so they can be inspired to do well in life,” she said.
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Nombuso further taught learners to share as she emphasised that kindness can be spread around through sharing with one another.
“Let’s support one another. If you have bread, share with whoever doesn’t have,” she said.
iLanga Secondary School’s deputy principal, Maria Ratsoane, couldn’t find words to express how the school felt about the powerful gesture.
Learners were encouraged to rise above their circumstances, focus on education, and believe in their potential.
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