Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Underprivileged pupils at Enkolweni Primary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, could not contain their joy when they received new school uniforms and learning aids on Friday.

Patrick Moore, a former pupil at the school, donated the uniforms, learning aids and shoes to 15 pupils from poor families. "I am from a poor family myself and I know what it is like to go to school with torn trousers and worn-out shoes," he said.

The humble donor said he was not rich but was touched to see some of the pupils without uniform. "The least we can do for these children is to put a smile on their faces," said Moore.

He said he drew inspiration from former president Nelson Mandela, hence the donation was on his birthday.

"I learned from him that you do not need to be rich to give to others," he said.

In the past few months, Moore and his family painted the dilapidated school. "I went around asking companies to donate paint. I could see that my former school was decaying," he said.

Principal Vivi Ngwenya said: "This is a dream come true for these children."

He said 40 to 50 percent of the pupils from his school were needy. "I also thank Moore for painting the school. It has never been painted in its history. I am over the moon," he said.

The school was built in 1958.