Tsholomnqa-born Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi spread joy and kindness on Tuesday when he donated much-needed essentials to pupils at two primary schools as part of a back-to-school campaign.
Buffalo City's Nxarhuni Public School, with about 300 pupils, and Mzoxolo primary, with 701, received uniforms, school shoes and stationery worth R50,000 each.
Jubilant pupils and teachers joined parents in singing and dancing to celebrate being chosen as beneficiaries this year.
Mapimpi and the Hollywood Foundation 2025 Back-to-School campaign is pledging R8.3m to support pupils across SA.
He is an ambassador of the foundation, which funds the donations.
The initiative, now in its fourth year, provides school essentials to help pupils begin the new academic year with confidence.
Last year, the campaign brought energy and hope to 67,000 pupils who were given school shoes, uniforms and stationery.
Mapimpi said he felt special that the schoolchildren recognised him.
“We started this at Tsholomnqa, where I grew up. I decided to start everything there because I know the area’s background.
“It is always great to see people that recognise me and especially knowing where I come from, it is humbling.
“Growing up I did not get an opportunity where I would meet prominent people, including those from the Boks.”
The Dispatch reported in February 2024 that Mapimpi assisted 122 underprivileged pupils at Twecu’s Moni Primary School and Mdantsane’s Mzomhle high, who received shoes, trousers, jerseys, shirts and tunics.
Mapimpi, of the Makazole Mapimpi Foundation, said being back in the place where he grew up was good for him and the children.
Nxarhuni principal Thembinkosi Bodoza said the gifts were greatly appreciated because the school aimed to improve its pupils’ lives while emphasising the importance of education.
“They are working together to improve our lives. Mapimpi pointed to the school, they brought the children shoes as we know here in the rural areas pupils are suffering.
“They also brought stationery that will be helpful to us,” Bodoza said.
The school struggled with fundraising.
“The money we receive from the department is not enough to buy the tools needed, so this initiative is going to be very helpful.
“The pupils who received shoes have had their confidence boosted, and this will motivate them in their schoolwork as well.
“When they receive those necessities, we see them being more active in school as well as in class.”
Mzoxolo principal Douglas Sesani said: “This initiative helps us as we are a no-fee school, and we do everything on our own with some help from the education department.
“Our pupils come from disadvantaged communities and with high unemployment rates, most of them depend on social grants. So, these initiatives help us a lot.”
The Hollywood Foundation’s communications manager, Kuhle Mkhize, said: “We believe every child deserves the tools to succeed.
“We came together with Makazole Mapimpi to empower young minds, ignite their passions and build brighter futures — one classroom at a time.”
Daily Dispatch
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