BY REGINALD KANYANE

SABC’s Setswana radio station, Motsweding FM, donated school uniforms, school bags and other school materials to disadvantaged pupils across North West.

Motsweding FM marketing manager, Sibusiso Gumbi said the initiative was part of the station’s birthday celebration.

“We are celebrating our 54^th year in broadcasting. And we could not do it better than this way. The initiative was a two months long project that we embarked on. Motsweding FM Winter School Drive aims at improving the quality of life.

“We want to develop disadvantaged communities. We also promote education. The winter campaign consists of uniforms and school shoes. The station distributes them to vulnerable primary school pupils to warm them during the cold winter months,” Gumbi said.

He said they working in partnership other stakeholders.

Gumbi added that they identified schools through the station’s footprint from disadvantaged communities in villages.

“The station is using partnerships to purchase or raise money for uniforms. We have donated uniform to six schools so far. However we still have one more school to donate uniform to.

“We have visited schools like Bertz Bricks, Vyfhoek and Lesego Primary Schools in Potchefstroom. Tsitsiboga Primary School in Carletonville, Bosworth Primary School Klerksdorp and Methusele II Primary School in Mahikeng also benefited from the project,” he said.

Gumbi indicated that lack of relevant stakeholders’ involvement in the project resulted in the station failing to reach the desired number of schools.

He urged other stakeholders or businesspersons to play a major role in assisting especially in education system.

Motsweding FM will be celebrating its birthday on the weekend at Sun City resort.

Education and sport development department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said it is very imperative for all stakeholders to play integral part in school developments.

He said they welcome any donations from various stakeholders.

“Stakeholders engagement is considered vital to the success and improvement of a school. The involvement of the broader community of the schools with can improve communication and public understanding and allows for the incorporation of the perspectives, experiences and expertise of participating community members to improve reform proposals, strategies, or processes,” Malindi said.

-TDN

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