Rehoboth Global Network has taken a different approach to commemorating Mandela Day by moving beyond traditional community clean-up activities and focusing on education, technology and youth empowerment at Thabisang Primary School in Orlando West (Soweto).
The community-centred programme brought together learners, parents, educators and community stakeholders for an engaging panel discussion focused on some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, including youth unemployment, the township economy and the future prospects of young people.
The event was attended by Ward 38 Councillor Phindile Simelane and veteran actress Shoki Mmola, who joined the initiative in support of educational development and youth empowerment.
Thabisang Primary School principal Agnes Mtimkulu said the programme provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical insights that could be used to improve their lives and communities.
She also highlighted the school’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability, saying every cent received through donations or parental contributions is carefully managed and directed towards the school’s development and educational needs.
“Every cent that we collect at the school, every donation that we receive—either from the parents or from the donors—we use it with high integrity and high accountability,” Mtimkulu said.
The Mandela Day programme also resulted in a significant technology donation to the school.
Mtimkulu recently lost her personal working laptop after it was damaged beyond repair. Because the school prioritises learner needs, she had declined to use school funds to purchase a replacement and had been relying on a borrowed device from a staff member.
Rehoboth Global Network responded by donating a new laptop to the principal, with support from M-KOPA. The organisation said the donation was aimed at providing a sustainable solution to an immediate need at the school, which was already well maintained.
“We chose to do things differently this year,” said Thabang Moshidi, CEO and President of Rehoboth Global Network.
“Instead of cleaning a school that is already well-kept, we wanted to provide something that will truly sustain them. We choose to invest our efforts into addressing unemployment and bolstering the township economy. The country desperately needs to fight unemployment so our youth can be in a better place.”
Mtimkulu welcomed the donation, saying the laptop would benefit the entire school community and not only the principal. “This laptop is not going to be serving my personal needs, but it will serve the needs of the school—starting from the learners, to the parents, and the teachers,” she said.
The initiative forms part of Rehoboth Global Network’s broader activities throughout July, as the organisation works with local leaders, community figures and corporate partners to promote sustainable community development.
The organisation is also calling on more companies and stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at strengthening township economies, expanding opportunities for young people and creating practical pathways to address South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate.
