Picture: A local businessman, Tshidiso Moriane with shoe beneficiaries at Tlhareseng Primary School
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than ten learners from Tlhareseng Primary School in Mokgareng village near Taung were cheerful to receive shoes from a local philanthropist, Tshidiso Moriane. A prominent businessman donated shoes to less fortunate learners as part of his company, Druzaray Aluminum Glass’ social responsibility.
“As businesses, we need to demonstrate an obligation to various philanthropic causes and ensure that we support our own. We visited Tlhareseng Primary School and identified those learners who needed assistance regarding school uniforms and shoes.
“As a resident of Mokgareng and also a former learner at the school, the aim of this donation was to encourage these learners who are less fortunate not to be demoralized. I told them that their backgrounds should not determine their future and with discipline, dedication, and determination, they will achieve their mark,” he said.
Moriane who is a former policeman further said most learners drop out of school because of their backgrounds. He added that it was imperative for those who have already achieved to give moral support to those who are less fortunate.
“We will continue to give support to the school and we will extend this project to other schools such as Mokgareng High and Leshobo High schools. We will adopt each learner per school this year and nurture them. We will also pay for their tertiary tuition next year and continue to mentor them.
“I was happy to see one of my former colleagues who contributed after he saw my post on social media. We would like to encourage the youth of Mokgareng to also participate and ensure that they contribute,” Moriane said.
“Generally, private companies are perceived as more marketable whose social responsibility activities are seemingly non-existent. Thus, the marketing of social responsibility is important for businesses that want to keep or attract consumers with mindsets toward the environment, social issues, and economic growth,” he said.
Tlhareseng Primary School principal, Buyisile Kgune said: “We highly appreciate the donation from Moriane. We would also like to encourage those who have already achieved to support those who are underprivileged. According to our statistics, we have 45% of learners who come from poverty-stricken families.
“We have more than 300 learners and we would like to encourage other former learners who can contribute to also come on board. As the school management, we highly appreciate the efforts of Moriane as a former learner who shows a sign of ubuntu. We also like to encourage parents, School Governing Body (SGB) and management to continue with a good relationship.”
One of the learners, Raobaka Gaselaolwe (12) who is doing Grade 5 shared the same sentiments. Gaselaolwe who stay with her grandmother welcomed the donation.
“I highly-appreciate the donation of the shoes. This will encourage me to work harder and ensure that I perform well. I would like to become a policeman after finishing school. We only survive with old age grant and life is difficult,” he said.
Another learner, Omaatla Jonathan (12) who is doing Grade 6 said: “We stay with my mom and no one is working at home. I would like to become a doctor after finishing school. It is a relief to see some companies developing interest in wider social issues, rather than just those that impact your profit margins only.”
The Guardian 