UKZN Students’ Association Donates New Shoes to Primary School

Sixteen pairs of school shoes have been donated by the Nazareth Tertiary Students’ Association (NATESA), to Sinenhlanhla Primary in Inanda, Durban as part of the association’s quarterly donation drive.

As a student organisation grounded on the principles of the Nazareth Baptist Church and its leader, uNyazi Lwezulu Shembe, Deputy Secretary of NATESA, Howard College campus branch, Ms Sibongokuhle Zungu, said they chose the school because of its location, an area with high crime levels and unemployment, with the sole purpose being to give youngsters the confidence to stay in school.

The shoes were gratefully accepted by the educators and principal, with Ms Nondumiso Ndebele commenting on how the lack of uniforms often impacted on learners. “This donation is so meaningful for us because those without the appropriate uniform, such as school shoes, often lose interest in education as they feel inferior to other children,” said Ndebele.

As an organisation dedicated to promoting academic excellence, NATESA believes that when children are supported, they have more chance of reaching their full potential. Zungu, said the donation was inspired and motivated by their Church leader, uBaba Unyazi Lwezulu, who lives by the principle that children should be educated in order to empower themselves and their communities.

Zungu said: “This initiative helps us as NATESA to support our young future leaders, foster love for education, and spread the message about the razzmattazz of Shembe, which aligns with one of our main purposes. It also demonstrates that as the Nazareth Society, we do not discriminate based on religion but are committed to helping everyone regardless of their faith.”

Students interested in joining NATESA can visit the association’s offices on the first floor of the Student Union Building on the Howard College campus in Durban, or find them on social media platforms: NATESA UKZN Howard College.

NATESA will hold another donation drive for school uniforms early next year. Anyone keen to be part of the initiative or to donate items should contact: natesahowardcampus@gmail.com

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Supplied