YOU do not need to be a superstar or filthy rich to start making a difference in the lives of others.

This has been proven by one Mandla Ncube, a client liaison officer at a major cellular company. He has started an initiative to encourage fellow Soweto residents to pool resources like school uniforms for underprivileged pupils.

In an illustration of leadership by example, Ncube, 28, yesterday gave school uniforms, including shoes, to 20 pupils at Welizibuko Primary School in Soweto.

"When I was on leave a few weeks ago, I was moved when I saw a child walking to school without a proper school uniform. And I stopped him and asked him where he stayed, and which school he attended," Ncube said. He then decided to help.

Afterwards, Ncube approached Welizibuko principal Veronica Ledwaba to identify 20 needy children, and he rallied friends and fellow professionals to pitch in.

Sonto Mashele, a teacher at the school, said: "We need people like Mandla, who know that every little bit helps, and others should learn from him and his friends."

Ncube said: "You don't need lots of money to make a difference." - nkosin@sowetan.co.za