A Soweto school was a hive of activity on Mandela Day as teams of sponsors, volunteers and
influencers worked tirelessly to make an impactful difference. It was part of the Adopt-a-
School Foundation’s (a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation) annual Back to School
for Mandela Day campaign.
Steven Lebere, Adopt-a-School Foundation CEO, stressed the critical need to improve the in-
school experience of young learners, which was what the teams of volunteer workers spent
the day doing.
As they transformed Hlakaniphani Primary School in Dlamini, Soweto, compassion,
collaboration and the spirit of giving were top priorities for the nearly 300 volunteers who
participated in a range of impactful, hands-on activities to improve conditions for educators
and learners. Volunteers included media personalities Penny Lebyane, KNaomi, Matshepo
Sekgopi, Ayakha Ntunja, Tshepiso Jeme and Julius Kgole.
This year thirteen companies united to turn Mandela’s dream of equitable education into
reality as they donated time and resources, committing to support initiatives to improve
school infrastructure.
Mmabatho Maboya, a Board Member of Adopt-a-School Foundation thanked the sponsors
who had “brought so much joy to the learners on Mandela Day”. She said: “We are very
grateful to Tamela Holdings, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Thrive, ROMH, Cell C, Lesedi
Power, Edge & Co and Matthew and Nicole for their willingness to help. And, School-Days,
Shenzhen International Chamber of Commerce, Colgate, Krispy Kreme and Vaal Aqua, all
contributed to activities that helped restore hope and promote holistic child development at
Hlakaniphani Primary.”
There was much needed at the school, including extending and restocking the library,
renovating the Grade R building, refurbishing the sick bay and outdoor play areas and a new
multi-purpose sports court.
Mmabatho said: “Thanks to the generosity of long-term partners like AngloGold Ashanti and
Shoprite Foundation, we can deliver lasting, tangible change.”
AngloGold Ashanti representative, AngloGold Ashanti Vice President Group Community
Relations, Tumelo Shakwane said: “As meaningful Mandela Day was, watching the sheer joy
in the faces of the children was what was truly worth it. How fortunate we are to be able to
help.”
There were snacks and feeding scheme kitchen supplies generously provided by Shoprite,
who also hosted Robo Day at the school for all learners. Their partner Colgate delivered an
oral hygiene message. Premier Optical tested eyes and donated spectacles; there were
educational games from School-Days, and the planting of a vegetable garden to support the
school’s feeding programme.
The school renovations included painting of a Grade R facility, sick bay, Intermediate play
area, classrooms and combination court. The school also benefited from the extension of
the library and a new hopscotch area alongside a walkway.
Lebere said: “This restorative initiative, undertaken so willingly by those who helped, gives
our children, who may never have had these opportunities, a real chance to thrive, to
dream, and to become the future leaders our country so desperately needs.”
Managing trustee of the Shoprite Foundation, Maude Modise, said that July 18 th had been
meaningful and fun. “In this digital age, coding and robotics are no longer luxuries, they are
necessities. That is why it is critical to introduce these skills to learners. Through this collaboration
and playful learning activities, STEM subjects came to life, sparking early curiosity in these important
fields.”
Ayakha Ntunja, best known as Qhawe on Inimba and a rising star in the entertainment
industry, shared her heartfelt experience: “It was inspiring and humbling to witness so many
people coming together to improve the conditions at Hlakaniphani Primary School. Sharing
knowledge and spending quality time with the learners was priceless.”
She was joined by fellow Inimba cast member Tsepiso Jeme, who plays Likamva, and
reflected on the day with warmth: “The experience was deeply nostalgic. It reminded us of
our own school days as we encouraged and motivated the learners.”
The ideals that Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to saw the rekindling of hope even as
confidence was restored and opportunity unlocked at Hlakaniphani.
At the end of a successful Back to School for Mandela Day initiative, everyone left feeling
that something good had happened, that much had been achieved to fulfil Madiba’s long
cherished ‘better education for all’ dream.
Adopt-a-School Statistics:
Since inception, well over a billion rand has been invested.
Schools Adopted: 665
Learners reached: 1 662 305
Educators developed: 34 085
Facilities constructed: 809
Jobs created: 16 207
SMMEs: 2 610
Learners benefitting from visual support: 109 640
Spectacles provided: 5 370
Learners benefitting from Health and Sanitation projects: 22 777
Learners participating in awareness campaigns: 11 172
About Adopt-a-School Foundation:
Adopt-a-School Foundation (AAS) is an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (CRF) and
was officially established in 2002. The Foundation is a registered Section 21 company with
PBO status and has an Independent Board of Directors. The 2020 Top Empowerment Award
Winner, Adopt-a-School Foundation, works with various stakeholders, including the District,
Provincial and National Departments of Basic Education, corporate donors, multiple service
providers and best practice NGOs. The Foundation implements Whole School Development,
a holistic model to improve schools' academic, infrastructural, social, and security
environments. There are currently 665 schools under the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s
adoption programme. The Foundation works in all nine South Africa, Lesotho, and
Mozambique provinces. Visit the Foundation’s website at www.adoptaschool.org.za.