Every day should be a “Mandela Day” and SA Retail Properties (Pty) Ltd has demonstrated that even the most challenging events over the past couple of weeks should not deter South Africans from supporting those in need.
Although some Centre’s had to deal with delays towards the end of July and couldn’t honour commitments made on Mandela Day, they have nevertheless demonstrated that goodwill should never be limited to a single day and continue to answer an SOS for learners at needy schools during these difficult times!
“In July 2018, when our company announced the creation of our SOS Campaign – which stands for Save Our Schools – to help improve the quality of education and provide hope to future generations, we could never have foreseen the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic would have on families over the past two years. Many have lost loved ones and providers. Parents have lost their livelihoods and many are unable to pay school fees,” explains Nobambo Goduka, Johannesburg’s senior marketing manager at SA Retail Properties Pty Ltd which owns the centres.
In recognition of Madiba’s belief that a good education is the best means of escaping poverty, five centres – Midway Mews, Town Square, Comaro Crossing, Cambridge Crossing, East Point Shopping Centre and Montana Crossing – continually look forward to working closely with local schools to help deserving learners.
Goduka pointed out that, while many well to do schools are able to protect learners and educators, less affluent educational institutions have been unable to assist their youngsters, especially when it comes to unpaid fees, stationery, uniforms as well as transport to and from school. An amount of R67 000 will be provided to assist 8 deserving learners from Hulwazi Secondary School with all of the above.
Hulwazi Secondary School is situated in Benoni and is made up of over 1700 learners and 62 teachers. It has continued to achieve multiple accolades and receive high ratings from its community. Throughout a difficult academic year, the school has gone all out to assist its students in times of need and encourages learners to be creative and curious thinkers who respect themselves and their community at large.
Goduka said that, during these difficult times it was important to try and make a difference. She said SA Corporate Retail was proud to be able to help out at a time when families needed it most and looked forward to making further contributions that would help foster the talents of tomorrow so that they could become the leaders that South Africa needs.