Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg and SPAR South Rand Stores have forged a heartwarming collaboration that not only embodies the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s commitment to education and community upliftment but also aligns perfectly with SPAR's national campaign #WereForSmiles.
Regional Operations Manager at SPAR South Rand, Tapiwa Muchaonyerwa, said the partnership was dedicated to bringing smiles to the faces of underprivileged schoolchildren and igniting hope for a brighter future.
“Our ongoing journey, kindled on Nelson Mandela Day, exemplifies our unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation and honouring Mandela’s legacy. SPAR is at the forefront of this legacy, understanding that the drive to put smiles on faces extends beyond a single day,” she said.
Muchaonyerwa added that over the past three years, this collaboration had provided two million South African children with Bata school shoes, symbolising not just an opportunity for education but also a chance to experience the joy of learning with a smile. This year, 125 000 pairs of shoes will be donated nationwide, exemplifying the remarkable power of collective action in creating smiles that transcend generations.
In the heart of Johannesburg, 10 000 pairs of shoes were distributed, reaffirming the city's commitment to erasing barriers to education and nurturing the happiness of its children.
Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Lubabalo Magwentshu of Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, expressed his dedication, saying: “Supporting these schools holds the promise of brighter futures for our children.
“Witnessing the smiles on their faces as they receive the shoes is a testament to the positive change unity and collaboration can bring. This collaboration echoes Mandela’s belief: ‘Education is the great engine of personal development’. United under SPAR's #WereForSmiles campaign, the City of Joburg and SPAR radiate the spirit of positivity, bringing smiles and hope to our children's lives and lighting the way for a brighter future.”