At the handing over, pictured are some of the 102 learners who benefitted from the “one child, one pair project that was spearheaded by Carnival Committee students. A total of 162 pairs of school shoes were donated by both employees and students for the 10^th anniversary of Mandela day. The other 60 pairs will also be donated in the province. From left: Registrar, Dr Pinky Mrwetyana, Thandeka Booi, Mathabo Lechesa, Deputy Registrar, Ms Ntokozo Dlamini, Kagisho Tyikili, Manager in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ms Laura Botha, Ntswaki Sebatane and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Henk de Jager.

On 18 July 2019, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) in collaboration with the Carnival Committee students joined efforts to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Mandela day and make a difference to the learners of Hodisa Technical Secondary School in Rocklands, Bloemfontein. Hodisa was officially adopted by the university in 2018, and for this year’s Mandela day celebration, a total of 102 pairs of school shoes were donated to the needy learners  under the theme: “Action against poverty” with sub-themes: “Take Action, Inspire Change and Make Every day a Mandela Day.”

Laliga Lephokwane, Carnival Committee Media and Entertainment member and “One Child, One Pair,” Project Leader said he took the pain of going to school without shoes in the freezing winter season of Free State and made it personal as he was once that child. “I took this pain personal because, in grade six and seven, I was one of those children without shoes. I am thankful to my university community and colleagues for heeding the needy call as we managed to put a smile on these children’s faces.”

Prof. Henk de Jager, Vice-Chancellor and Principal applauded the Carnival Committee students for taking giant steps in uplifting communities and making an impact in society. “By working together in a network of partnerships, we can connect the needs with the resources and have far greater impact in society.” He advised learners to work hard, take education seriously like Tata Madiba, listen to their parents and teachers to achieve more, and always aim for the stars. “I wish you all the best in your studies. Work hard to achieve success and never stop dreaming. May God bless you and keep you in his hands.”

The School Principal, Mr Rabela said Hodisa is blessed to have a guardian like CUT. “This is the day that we have been looking forward to. This is one of the highlights of the year, and we feel very special to receive such gifts for our learners. As Hodisa, we want to thank all the people who played a role in making this day a success.”

The Carnival Committee members ready to deliver school shoes to Hodisa Technical Secondary School in Rocklands, Bloemfontein. They are from left: Romario Williams, Odwa Mrwetyana, Lawrence Mkhize, Katleho Manka, Laliga Lephokwane, Khwezi Kheswa and Thapelo Medupe.