While it is often said that clothes make the man, a new, shiny pair of school shoes may do just the same for many school pupils, especially those that are underprivileged.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong on Tuesday received 470 pairs of school shoes from Capital Centric, on behalf of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) which will be donated to needy learners.
Capital Centric is a dynamic, unlisted public company, specialising in private equity investments. Guided by the philosophy of Kaizen, which, according to its website, emphasizes continuous improvement, the company focuses on identifying opportunities and building long-term value for its stakeholders.
The Deputy Minister said he was humbled by the gesture as he received the shoes.
“We are quite elated by the commitment demonstrated by the private sector. This donation will go a long way in helping kids who under normal circumstances would not be able to walk to schools with shoes,” a beaming Morolong said on Tuesday.
He stressed that by working together, the private sector, civil society and government can do more to fundamentally alter the circumstances under which people live.
“This collaboration will go a long way. We really wish to thank you for collaborating with GCIS to drive the programmes that impact our communities. I am speaking for these children who under normal circumstances would not be able to receive these shoes,” said the Deputy Minister.
Capital Centric Chief Executive Officer, Nathaniel Bricknell, said the company not only invests in small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and enterprises that are profitable, scalable and sustainable, but also takes pride in playing a pivotal role in driving social impact within the sectors it serves.
“We are elated to hand over 470 pairs of school shoes to GCIS, to be distributed to schools and learners in need,” said Bricknell.
Bricknell explained that each pair of shoes tells its own unique story. This as the shoes are manufactured in South Africa and crafted from medical waste that might otherwise have ended up in landfills or have been destroyed.
Collaboration
“These shoes, made from plastic consumables that transitioned from saving life to creating opportunity, represent the very essence of transformation and sustainability.
“We believe in the power of collaboration to amplify impact. That’s why we have invited other corporates such as FNB and others we work with daily to participate in similar initiatives that drive positive change” Bricknell explained.
Bricknell thanked the GCIS for fostering a cooperative environment that enables the private sector to play an active role in uplifting communities.
“Together we are not just investing in the future of businesses but also in the future of our children, our communities and our country,” he said.
The company's Non-Executive Director, Pearl Munthali, said the entity appreciates the partnership with government.
“We are hoping to continue to partner with government changing the lives of those who are underprivileged in our country,” Munthali said.
The donation comes as schools across the country reopened for the 2025 academic year.
SAnews.gov.za
