Five East London schools have been chosen as recipients of more than 3,000 school shoes obtained by Vusi Sindane during his fundraising cycle journey from Musina to Cape Town.
Sinovuyo High School, Gcobani Intermediate School, Mzamowethu Public School, St Lukes Primary School and New Generation Public School were the five schools chosen to receive the shoes.
Three of the handovers, facilitated by Hemingways Mall, already took place, with the other two handovers set to take place at a later stage.
In April 2023, Sindane travelled 3,257km, alone on his bicycle.
“The overall aim is to raise 10,000 school shoes and distribute them to schools that are deserving. Although we did not meet our target, I will continue to work towards it, however long it takes. Even if it takes one year or three years, I will continue to raise funds for the shoes. This project is part of my life. It is the giving side of my life,” Sindane.
The cycling idea first came to him in 2017, when his uncle had a spare bicycle that he became accustomed to.
In 2022, Sindane decided to take it seriously and quit his corporate job. He cites Mark Beaumont as inspiration for starting his journey as an extreme cyclist.
“When I decided to start cycling, I thought, other people are doing it, surely, I can too.
“I have always wanted to travel and see the country. I also knew that the fundraising I did would have to have something to do with education and school children. Now that I have gained a following, I feel that I will be able to do more to reach my goal,” Sindane said.
New Generations Primary School principal Nadine O’Reilly said the gesture was kind and the 46 children who received donations had shown their appreciation for the shoes.
“We, the school governing body, staff and pupils of New Generation Primary are happy and blessed to be part of this show drive initiative. Many of our pupils attend school with torn shoes and this (donation) is a relief to the pupils and parents.
“This put a smile on the faces of many pupils. It has boosted the pupils’ self-confidence.
“This will also encourage them to attend school regularly, as we have experienced a lot of absenteeism in the past due to learners not having shoes.
“We have received positive feedback from parents as this kind gesture lightens the financial burden for them,” O’Reilly said.
Sindane offers motivational talks and workshops for young entrepreneurs as an added meaasure to raise funds to buy more school shoes.
To follow his journey and join his efforts, visit his website at www.vusisindane.com.
