Sixty pupils from Sinako High School in Khayelitsha arrived at school in worn-out shoes and walked home in new warm socks and shoes, thanks to a donation from the Hawks and a private insurance company on Mandela Day, July 18.
Provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Magkato said: “This donation aims to restore the dignity and self-esteem of the children and increase school attendance. We all know that South Africa is plagued by poverty and many disadvantaged pupils drop out of school annually because they lack basic items like uniform and school shoes. We hope that through this donation the pupils can stay in school and chase their dreams.”
Sinako High School principal, Nomvuyo Sikisiki, said they were grateful for the support. She said the gratitude and pride seen on a child’s face when receiving new school shoes was priceless.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in South Africa is known as the Hawks.