BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MANKAYANE – A heartwarming act of generosity was witnessed today at Mhlatane Primary School in Mankayane, as Khemani Cycling Club, in partnership with MTN Eswatini, OK Foods, and Premier Eswatini, donated essential items to the school’s students.
A Donation Worth E17 000
A total of 61 students received brand-new shoes, while the entire student body of 215 learners was treated to:
- 250 lunch packs (each with a juice box)
- 250 loaves of bread, ensuring every child received a loaf
- Essential school supplies and support
The donation, valued at E17 000, was made possible through the joint efforts of Khemani Cycling Club and its corporate partners.
Inspiration Behind the Initiative
Speaking at the event, Khemani Cycling Club board member Lincoln Motsa shared how the idea to support the school came about. While cycling through the challenging Mankayane-Gege terrain, club members noticed students walking long distances in worn-out shoes. This experience led to the decision to give back to the community and make a difference in the children’s lives.
Motsa also thanked the local community for their continued support of cycling and their respectful attitude towards cyclists on the roads.
Encouragement for Students
Also present at the handover was Mbabane Municipal Council CEO, Gciniwe Fakudze, who reflected on the difficulty of the steep hill near the school. She admitted that, while cycling past the school, she had never noticed it before as she was always focused on conquering the climb. However, now that she had visited, she expressed deep appreciation for the school and encouraged students to stay focused on their studies.
A Grateful School Community
Mhlatane Primary School Headteacher, Mr. Hlophe, expressed immense gratitude to Khemani, MTN, OK Foods, and Premier Eswatini for their kindness.
“This is a beautiful day for our school. We are overjoyed by this act of generosity, and we deeply appreciate the kindness shown to our students,” said Hlophe.
Commitment to Giving Back
This donation serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Khemani Cycling Club and its partners continue to make a lasting impact, not just in sports but also in uplifting the lives of young learners in Eswatini.
