As part of the conclusion of Nelson Mandela Month, the 1MillionSchoolShoes Campaign donated Six hundred pairs of school shoes to learners from six schools in the North West Province during an event held at Saruchera Primary School in Extension 25, Vryburg, on Saturday, 1 August 2026.
The 1MillionSchoolShoes Campaign, a Pretoria-based non-profit organisation, has donated more than 150,000 pairs of school shoes to vulnerable learners across South Africa. For nearly a decade, the organisation has been committed to ensuring that children from disadvantaged communities have access to proper school footwear, helping to promote dignity, improve school attendance, and support learners in their educational journey.
Learners from the following schools received pairs of shoes:
- Devondale Intermediate School,
- Setumo Intermediate School,
- Modisakoma Primary School,
- Broederspuit Primary School, and
- Floridine Primary School.
The spirit of giving was the central theme of the event. Learners were encouraged to embrace the value of generosity and reminded that those with sufficient resources should always consider supporting those less fortunate—the initiative aimed to inspire compassion, kindness, and a culture of giving within the community.
Roleta Lobelo, a member of the board, emphasized that the campaign’s goal is to donate one million pairs of school shoes across the country.
“We are proud, as the 1Million School Shoes Campaign, to have been donating school shoes across the country for the past ten years. We are not just giving out shoes; we are also teaching learners about the spirit of giving. What we are doing today is like planting a seed that will grow, multiply, and positively impact communities throughout the country.
“We understand the challenges faced by learners who do not have proper school shoes. It is not something to laugh about or use to mock others. Some learners are even bullied because they do not have a decent pair of shoes. We need to support one another and encourage those who have the means to assist those in need. Young people need to equip themselves with values of compassion, kindness, and generosity so that they can make a positive difference in their communities”, added Lobelo.
The MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, expressed her gratitude, saying that the North West Province was privileged to be among the beneficiaries of the donation.
“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the generous gesture by the 1 Million School Shoes Campaign. As a province, we are truly grateful that our learners have benefited from this initiative. The donation of 600 pairs of school shoes will make a significant difference in the lives of our children and help restore their dignity.
“History does not have blank pages. Your efforts to change the lives of these learners will bear fruit in the future and have a lasting impact on our communities. I am confident that you will achieve your goal of donating one million pairs of school shoes across the country. Your commitment to improving the lives of learners is commendable, and we encourage you to continue making a meaningful difference wherever the need exists”, said MEC Motsumi.
This is not the first time the organisation has donated school shoes in the North West Province. It has previously extended its support to learners in Rustenburg and Zeerust, and today it continued its mission by donating school shoes to learners in Vryburg. Through these initiatives, the organisation remains committed to improving the lives of children in need and restoring their dignity through education support.
For more information, please contact:
Vuyo Mantshule | Departmental Spokesperson | 073 217 7335
Dr Elias Malindi | Director: Communication Services | 072 892 8399
