The spirit of giving is alive and well in Nelson Mandela Bay as residents and businesses have stepped up to support the Executive Mayor’s Back to School programme. What began as a municipal initiative has transformed into a true community effort, demonstrating the power of collective action in uplifting local schools.
Last month, Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe called on the public to donate school essentials—including shoes, sanitary towels, and learning materials—for disadvantaged schools identified in partnership with the Department of Health. The response was overwhelming, with individuals and businesses contributing at various donation points across the Metro, including municipal offices, ward councillors’ offices, shopping malls, and government service centres.
Now, the donations are making their way to the learners who need them most. The Mayor kicked off the second leg of the programme by handing over learning aids, sanitary towels, and food parcels to Luthando Luvuyo Special School in Kwazakhele. Meanwhile, Mayoral Committee Members Bongekile Mankahla and Luyanda Lawu delivered school shoes and sanitary towels to learners at Tyhilulwazi High School in Govan Mbeki Township.
Expressing gratitude to the community, Mayor Lobishe said,
“I am very grateful to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay who, against the tough economic times, stretched themselves to donate for the needy. These donations will go a long way in securing the future of our country. I would also like to thank the teachers and SGBs for the good work they continue to do with our children.”
With 18 schools set to benefit, the donation handovers will continue throughout the week. The programme has also highlighted additional challenges, prompting the municipality to engage with other government departments to seek solutions beyond just school supplies.
Beyond donations, the Metro is mobilizing further resources. As part of its support for Luthando Luvuyo Special School, an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) team will conduct a thorough cleaning of the school. The Mayor emphasized that efforts to assist schools will extend beyond this initiative, reinforcing the importance of an enabling learning environment.
This programme is a testament to the heart of Nelson Mandela Bay—where communities don’t just rely on government but actively come together to make a difference.
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