Vodacom Mpumalanga answered that call by hosting its Future Leaders Career Expo at Khutsalani Secondary School, one of the Mathematics and Science Schools in Kabokweni, on Thursday, 23 July.

The career expo brought together more than 300 learners, educators, government departments and higher learning institutions to expose learners to a wide range of career opportunities and encourage informed decisions about their futures.

Each provided learners with information on study opportunities, bursaries, career paths and skills development programmes.
Executive Head of Technology, Lindi Shabalala applauded educators for the vital role they play in shaping future generations and congratulated Khutsalani Secondary School on its academic achievements.

She said the Future Leaders Career Expo was designed to inspire learners to pursue careers that would enable them to solve some of the country’s biggest challenges.

“Today it is a privilege and an honour to be with you as Vodacom. As we celebrate Mandela Month, I would like to congratulate the school on its academic achievements. As future leaders, we are here to guide and support you because our country needs young people like you to develop technological solutions.”

“There are many challenges facing South Africa, and I believe one day you will be the ones providing those solutions as valuable national assets. That is why this expo is so critical in helping you achieve academic success,” said Shabalala.

She added that Vodacom remains committed to empowering young people through education and digital inclusion. Shabalala said the expo forms part of Vodacom’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that enable young people to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.

The Department of Education’s Ehlanzeni District Chief Officer for Special Education, Mandewu Nyambi, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important platform that broadens learners’ understanding of the many career opportunities available to them.
Throughout the day, learners engaged with exhibitors, explored different career fields, and received first-hand information about admission requirements, financial aid, bursary opportunities and employment prospects.

The Future Leaders Career Expo reflects Vodacom’s continued commitment to education, youth development and digital empowerment, while reinforcing the spirit of Mandela Month by creating opportunities that have a lasting impact on young people’s lives.

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However, on Saturday 4 July, the JobLeakage Centre became a space of possibility where hundreds of young people gathered for the Pienaar Economic Empowerment Indaba, determined to find pathways to a better future.

The township, often linked to high unemployment and crime, came alive as youth, community leaders and stakeholders united behind one goal: building a future where young people can earn a living instead of falling victim to poverty and crime. Community leader, Innocent Msibi, who spearheaded the event, told Mpumalanga Mirror that at least 475 young people attended.

He said the turnout reflects a growing demand for jobs and economic inclusion. “The turnout shows just how desperate our young people are for opportunities. They want to work, start businesses, and contribute positively to their community,” Msibi said.
“We know not everyone will secure formal employment, which is why we are creating a platform for young people to start their own businesses and, in time, create jobs for others.”

Community member, Shirley Segage, who was also in attendance, believes entrepreneurship could be key to easing Pienaar’s unemployment crisis.

“There simply aren’t enough jobs for everyone, so we must start thinking differently,” Segage said. “Instead of waiting to be employed, we should be encouraged to start our own businesses. I’m hopeful our local government will support us by helping us access funding so our businesses can grow and create more opportunities.”

The community-led initiative focused on reducing youth unemployment and promoting economic freedom. It brought together unemployed graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs and key stakeholders to share business opportunities, government support programmes, and digital skills training.

READ | Millions set aside for youth

Among the stakeholders was the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT), which urged young people to take up skills development opportunities.

“Our goal is to build a community where young people can see a future for themselves,” said MRTT General Manager, Siphokazi Mjali. “We equip youth with skills that can help them find employment or become self-employed.”

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The initiative is a collective effort powered by employees from both organisations who volunteered their time to pack and distribute the uniforms. Partners such as Kasi Hero Foundation also contributed meaningfully, ensuring that each child received not just a uniform, but a message of encouragement, care, and recognition.

A Practical Intervention with Human Impact

School uniforms are often an overlooked but critical part of a learner’s confidence and readiness to participate fully at school. For many families, they also represent a financial hurdle at the start of the year.

Lethiwe Hlatshwayo, Cell C Managing Executive of Corporate Affairs says the intervention is grounded in the real needs of communities: “For us, this is about showing up for children in a way that is practical and meaningful. A school uniform may seem small, but for many families it is one less worry, and for a child, it can be the confidence they need to walk into a classroom ready to learn. We are proud to stand alongside our partners to make that possible.”

READ | Mapaleni Primary School learners’ dignity restored

Antonia Oakes, Customer Experience Executive and CSI Chairperson at Old Mutual Insure, adds, “Supporting learners with school uniforms is about more than clothes. It is about giving every child the dignity, confidence, and opportunity to thrive. This initiative reminds us that when we act with purpose and care, we can help remove obstacles and open doors for the next generation.”

Amina Ackerman, AGM at CGIC concluded with “This initiative reflects CGIC’s commitment to supporting communities in ways that create lasting impact. When learners feel confident and equipped, they are better positioned to succeed, and that is an investment in South Africa’s future we are proud to be part of”

Collective Effort, Real Change

The delivery in Mpumalanga reflects the power of partnership and the value of showing up consistently for communities year after year. For the learners who received uniforms, this support is more than material—it is an affirmation that they are seen and valued.

This year’s Back 2 School programme demonstrates that small interventions, when done with empathy and collaboration, can meaningfully shift a child’s learning experience. A uniform becomes more than a garment; it becomes a stepping stone to a more confident and dignified academic journey. Bring Dignity and Confidence to Mpumalanga Learners with Uniforms, School Bags and Stationery Packs.

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The event, hosted by the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) in collaboration with the National Library of South Africa, aimed to inspire communities to embrace reading as an everyday practice and highlight the important role played by schools, libraries, and cultural institutions in nurturing lifelong learning.

This year’s event was celebrated under the theme “Celebrate Learning: What Are You Reading?” The day kicked off with a flag-hoisting ceremony at Lugebhuta High School, followed by book donations to local schools.

Speaking during the event, Mhlophe stressed the importance of reading aloud in shaping young minds, encouraging youngsters to read widely to enhance their learning.

Marcus Maphile, Director of Public Engagement at the National Library of South Africa, urged attendees to read aloud to children at home, promoting the value of libraries and reading. “Just take your book and read aloud to the kids at home, it’s important that we promote the value of libraries,” he said.

The event highlighted the significance of reading aloud in literacy development and encouraged communities to make reading a daily habit, with families, schools, libraries, and cultural institutions playing a vital role in fostering lifelong learning.

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The province was named winners in the rural category of the Road Safety Debates. They were also declared joint winners along with Limpopo Province in the urban category of the same competition. The province of the rising sun went on to claim top spots in both urban and rural categories of PET competition.

Each learner in all the categories received a medal, a trophy and a cheque amounting to R6600. The province also scooped the Best Speaker in Debate Urban Category. The best speaker is Sasha Nkabinde, a Grade 11 learner from Jerusalem Secondary School near Hazyview.

All four trainers of the categories won Best Trainer awards. The trainers received medals and trophies.

The National Road Safety Debate and PET competitions are held annually targeting Grade 10 and 11 learners. They debate on road safety motions while the PET encourages participants to do research and identify road safety challenges in their communities. They then come up with proposals and present them to panels of adjudicators at all levels of the competition,

In this year’s competition, Mpumalanga competed with Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Refilwe Mongale said the competition targets over 1000 learners from different provinces in various schools. “This programme has a huge impact on learners as they research and acquire knowledge on road safety. Through this programme, the learners learn basic skills such as research and public speaking,” she said.

Meanwhile, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie congratulated all winners in various categories. Macie hailed efforts by both the learners, trainers, and officials for once again lifting the bar and becoming champions.

He said these competitions are not only about winning, but about sustaining calls for action on road safety to prevent needless loss of lives from road crashes in this country.

“We want all the participants, past and present, to become active road safety ambassadors in their communities and everywhere they go. Every crash statistic represents a life lost. Therefore, the learners must help us spread the message,” he said.

The winners of the Mpumalanga Province per category are as follows:

Debate Urban Category
-Sasha Nkabinde
-Owami Mngewu

• Lonene Makhubela
  The trainer: Ms. Nothando Chirwa.

Debate Rural Category
-Emmanuel Nkambule
-Kamogelo Mbonani
-Siyamthanda Khumalo
The trainer: Mr. John Nkosi

PET Rural Category
-Skhila Secondary School.
The learners are;

1. Zandile Sifundza
2. Karen Nkosi
3. Oratile Masinga
4. Majuta Mankhana
5. Bright Masarwa
   The trainer is, Mr. Nhlakanipho Makhanya

PET Urban Category

• Sikhwahlane Secondary School.
  The learners are;
  1.Nokukhanya Magagula

1. Mncobi Vilane
2. Unathi Mubi
3. Silondiwe Shabangu
4. Ayandiswa Magagula
   The trainer is, Mr. Nhlanhla Maziya

Both PET schools have won R100 000 each for their schools to assist with addressing road safety challenges identified.

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On Saturday, October 4, TABC hosted its inaugural ‘Teach A Boy Child’ event in the region at the Tshwane University of Technology. The event brought together young boys aged 16-21 for a transformative program addressing critical issues such as health and hygiene, relationships, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, mental wellbeing, gender-based violence, and positive masculinity.

Siyabonga Mokoena, Founder and Executive Director of Teach A Boy Child Foundation, shared the vision behind the initiative, saying, “What we really aim is to go out and mobilise young men, lobby them into being change-markers they need to be in this crying society of ours. There’s nothing like little impact, I believe the boys will take what we are giving them. The idea is to pour into the young men, so that they feel empowered.”

The event featured interactive sessions and workshops, including a talk by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Zipho Mhlongo on healthy masculinity. Given that October is Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Mhlongo emphasised the importance of discussing such topics to equip young boys with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges and become responsible men.

The Teach A Boy Child Foundation’s efforts to promote positive masculinity and empower young boys are truly commendable. As the organisation continues to make a positive impact, we look forward to seeing the ripple effect of their work in the lives of young boys and their communities.

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The partnership is with Siyafunda Donate a Book, a Pretoria-based organisation under the theme:  “No Rural Child Shall Be Left Behind.”

The tour will see over eight schools in Kabokweni, Barberton, and Matsulu receive book donations, story time sessions, and interactive reading activities all designed to inspire young minds and encourage a culture of lifelong learning.

BookHive and Siyafunda will be distributing thousands of books to learners and school libraries in under-resourced communities. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to making sure that every child has access to books, regardless of where they live.

READ | Local NGO hosts storytelling festival to mark Mother Language Day

Bobo Lukhele, founder of BookHive and the visionary behind the Ingcayizivele Book Festival, passionately believes in the power of books to transform lives. 

“Every child deserves to own a book, and every home deserves a bookshelf. I remember growing up with a big, beautiful school library — and every learner had a library card. Sadly, that’s no longer the norm. We want to change that.”

Ntokozo Ndlovu, founder of Siyafunda says it should not  matter if a child lives in a rural or urban area. “Every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to dream through read.”

Lukhele is also inviting schools across the province to attend the Ingcayizivele Book Festival on 20 September 2025 at the Ehlanzeni Municipality Disaster Management and Conference Centre.

“We will have over 10 children’s authors reading and having fun with learners. It’s going to be a celebration of books, stories, and the joy of learning,” says Lukhele.

Schools interested in receiving book donations or establishing a school library are encouraged to reach out to BookHive or Siyafunda Donate a Book.

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The taxi operators, often criticised for violating women, sought to change this perception with their bold gesture, demonstrating appreciation for women and promoting a positive image.

As part of the initiative, they donated sanitary towels to those in need, further demonstrating their support for women. “Through this gender-switch initiative, we want to send a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated in our community, women deserve to live free from violence and fear,” they stated.

Top Star Taxi Association Chairman, John Mavundla, emphasised, “We should stand up against gender-based violence. We must take action and protect our women and children. Today, we want to remind women that they are powerful and deserve to be treated well.”

The drivers’ sentiments were echoed by Muzi Sibeko, who said, “We decided to honor women and celebrate them in style, but the real purpose is to raise awareness of GBV. With women and children facing abuse every day, we’re calling on men to take a stand and end the violence.”

Nkosinathi Khoza, another driver, added, “Wearing women’s clothes gave us a glimpse into their experiences, and it’s a wake-up call for us to be more empathetic and supportive. We want to show women that we love and appreciate them.”
The initiative has sparked conversations and raised awareness about GBV in the community, inspiring others to join the fight against this social scourge.

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The donation drive, held on Thursday, July 31, benefited about 45 learners in the local school. The donations included sanitary towels, other essential items, and school shoes for those in need.

Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, Sipho Mhlongo, Founder of Siletsalitsemba, said the organisation’s goal was to make a tangible difference in the lives of the less fortunate as they closed off the month dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

READ | WATCH: More communities benefit through Mandela Month initiative

“We wanted to honour Madiba’s spirit by giving back to the community in a meaningful way as we wrapped up Mandela Month,” Mhlongo explained.

Mhlongo was confident that the donations would significantly impact the children’s lives, enabling them to attend school with dignity and confidence. The school expressed heartfelt gratitude for the organisation’s kindness and generosity.

As the organisation continues to make a difference, Mhlongo thanked their sponsors, saying, “We couldn’t have done this without our sponsors, and we’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported our initiatives.”

He appealed for continued community support and encouraged financial contributions. Interested parties can get in touch at siletsalitsembacommunityorgani@gmail.com or +27 (76) 406-9740.

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1000 playgrounds at early childhood development centres (ECDs) and primary schools have been upgraded across South Africa, providing safe and engaging play spaces to more than one million children.

To mark this historic 1,000 playgrounds milestone, SASKO hosted a Mandela Day celebration at Ikaneng Combined School in Diepkloof, Soweto – one of the many schools uplifted through the SASKO Siyasizana initiative. 

As part of the Mandela Day activation, SASKO unveiled a special edition loaf made up of 1,000 slices – a symbolic gesture celebrating both the milestone and the late Nelson Mandela’s vision for a better South Africa.

The loaf was used to prepare sandwiches for the children of Ikaneng and a local NGO that supports feeding initiatives for learners in the community, ensuring that the spirit of Mandela Day is not only celebrated, but lived out through caring for our communities. 

SASKO Siyasizana, was launched in 2023, to address the stark inequalities in access to quality play resources at ECD Centres and schools.

The SASKO Siyasizana programme is grounded in Care, with an investment of over R10 million, and supported by SASKO consumers, customers and communities who nominated deserving schools and participated in various schools’ collection programs, has enabled SASKO to reach areas that have long been overlooked.

Schools from Limpopo to Khayelitsha, Soweto to Gqeberha, now boast colourful play zones designed for inclusivity, imagination and joy. 

As part of the celebration, SASKO hosted a panel discussion with key stakeholders to discuss the impact of this and other initiatives which aim to address the needs of children in underserved communities.

Nico Moloto, PepsiCo South Africa’s Corporate Affairs Director, highlighted the value of partnerships when aiming to boost nutrition and food access in our schools.

“As PepsiCo South Africa, we are proud to be able to partner with the Department of Basic Education to supplement its efforts to avoid malnutrition amongst scholars, by running our own Breakfast Nutrition Programme across 35 schools nationally”.

READ | Mapaleni Primary School learners’ dignity restored

Representing the Department of Basic Education, Director of Sports and Enrichment, Given Mabena shared insights into the role of public-sector collaboration in such initiatives 

“An active mind begins with a nourished body and through partnerships like the PepsiCo SA Breakfast Nutrition Programme and the SASKO Siyasizana initiative, we are ensuring that learners, especially in their early years, are equipped to learn through play, explore with energy, and engage meaningfully in the classroom.

These programmes show the power of collaboration between government and the private sector in giving every child the opportunity to thrive physically, cognitively, and socially. When learners are nourished, engaged, and supported through sport and enrichment, we are not just improving education outcomes — we are shaping futures.” Mabena concluded.

This is what putting Care into action looks like,” says Soni. “When consumers, communities, and business come together, we unlock the kind of change that lasts generations.”

With support growing, and communities leading the charge, SASKO Siyasizana continues to prove that sustained care builds more than loyalty. It builds futures.

To join the SASKO Siyasizana movement or learn more, visit www.sasko.co.za/siyasizana.

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