Hundreds of learners from four schools in Elukwatini and Nhlazatshe have received much-needed support after Lion Match Shoe Polish, in partnership with Xolo’s Touch Foundation, donated school shoes, shoe polish and sanitary towels.
The initiative saw each of the four deserving schools receive 100 pairs of school shoes, shoe polish and sanitary towels to assist learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The beneficiary schools were:
• Khuzulwandle Secondary School
• Imbali Primary School
• Masakhane Combined School
• Insika Senior Secondary School
The donation was made possible through a partnership between the Durban-based Lion Match Shoe Polish and Xolo’s Touch Foundation, founded by Noxolo Sibande, whose mission is to uplift and support vulnerable children through education and community outreach.
Sibande expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the principals, teachers and school communities for embracing the initiative and working together to improve the lives of learners.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all the principals, teachers and school communities for your warm support and partnership. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners,” she said.
She also thanked the Lion Match team for believing in her vision and helping turn her lifelong dream into reality.
“A special thank you to the Lion Match team for hearing my little voice and believing in my vision. Thank you for making my childhood dream of touching lives through Xolo’s Touch come true. Your kindness and support have brought hope and smiles to so many learners, and for that I will always be grateful,” Sibande said.
The donation is expected to ease the financial burden on many families while boosting learners’ confidence by ensuring they have proper school footwear and essential hygiene products.
Access to proper school shoes remains a challenge for many learners in rural communities, with some attending school in worn-out footwear or barefoot due to financial hardship. Corporate social investment initiatives such as this one play an important role in improving school attendance, restoring learners’ dignity and creating a better learning environment.
The inclusion of sanitary towels also helps address period poverty, enabling girls to attend school with confidence and reducing absenteeism. Partnerships between businesses and community organisations such as Xolo’s Touch continue to make a positive impact on education and the wellbeing of learners in Mpumalanga.
