Seen Here: A gift that empowers generations. Rehoboth Global Network and M-KOPA marked Mandela Day by donating a laptop to Thabisang Primary School, investing in education, opportunity and the future of Soweto’s young minds. #MandelaDay #67Minutes #EducationMatters Photo Credit: Supplied
SOWETO – The spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy came alive in Orlando West on Friday as Rehoboth Global Network, in partnership with M-KOPA, marked Mandela Day by donating a laptop to Thabisang Primary School, reaffirming the power of education, community partnerships and meaningful acts of service.
Held as part of the annual 67 Minutes for Mandela Day campaign, the initiative brought together community members, educators, local leadership and learners in a celebration of compassion and collective responsibility.
Rather than focusing solely on symbolic acts of service, the organisations chose to make a practical contribution that will continue benefiting the school long after Mandela Day has passed.
Speaking during the handover, Rehoboth Global Network CEO and President Thabang Moshidi said the organisation wanted its contribution to leave a lasting legacy for both learners and educators.
“Every year we choose a community or institution where we can make a difference. This year we selected Thabisang Primary School in Soweto,” Moshidi said.
Instead of limiting the day’s activities to cleaning the school grounds, the organisation identified a more sustainable need by donating a laptop that will strengthen teaching, administration and learning.
Seen Here: A gift that empowers generations. Rehoboth Global Network and M-KOPA marked Mandela Day by donating a laptop to Thabisang Primary School, investing in education, opportunity and the future of Soweto’s young minds. #MandelaDay #67Minutes #EducationMatters Photo Credit: Supplied
Beyond the donation, the event also became a platform for broader conversations around South Africa’s economic challenges, particularly youth unemployment and the importance of strengthening township economies.
“We are here to celebrate Mandela Day, but also to have important conversations about the township economy and unemployment in South Africa,” Moshidi said.
“We want to see positive change in this country and encourage more people and organisations to play their part in creating opportunities that will help fight unemployment.”
He emphasised that stronger partnerships between government, businesses and local communities are essential to unlocking economic opportunities and creating a more inclusive future.
Seen Here: More than a donation—it was an investment in hope. Community leaders, educators and partners came together at Thabisang Primary School to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through meaningful action, proving that lasting change begins with giving back. Photo Credit: Supplied
A lesson in accountability
One of the day’s most inspiring moments came from Thabisang Primary School principal Agnes Mthimkhulu, whose heartfelt address highlighted the importance of integrity and responsible financial management in public education.
Mthimkhulu explained that although the school serves many learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, careful stewardship of every donation has enabled the school to continue delivering quality education.
“I don’t regard our school as a struggling school because every donation we receive is managed with integrity and accountability,” she said.
“Every donation we receive is used wisely. We make responsible financial decisions, work with the right service providers and ensure that every cent benefits the school.”
She stressed that transparency has become one of the school’s greatest strengths.
“Even if you only collect two rand from a parent, you must know how to manage it, account for it and channel it correctly. As teachers, parents and the finance committee, we can account for every cent that comes into the school and every cent that goes out.”
Seen Here: Ward 38 Councillor Phindile Simelane. Building brighter futures, one act of kindness at a time. Learners, teachers and community members united to celebrate Mandela Day, demonstrating that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and communities. Photo Credit: Supplied
An emotional gift
The laptop donation carried special significance for Mthimkhulu, who revealed that her own computer had stopped working some time ago.
Although members of the school’s management team encouraged her to purchase a replacement using school funds, she declined, believing the limited budget should instead prioritise learners’ needs.
Instead, one of the teachers generously lent her a laptop so she could continue carrying out her responsibilities.
Receiving the new laptop during the Mandela Day ceremony became an emotional and unexpected blessing.
“It was as if God saw that I needed a laptop but did not want the school to spend its limited resources on me,” she said.
“I am overwhelmed with joy. This laptop is not for my personal benefit. It will be used to serve the school, our pupils, parents and teachers.”
She thanked Rehoboth Global Network and its partners for their generosity, saying the donation would strengthen the school’s ability to continue providing quality education despite financial constraints.
Seen Here: “Every cent must serve our learners.” Principal Agnes Mthimkhulu’s unwavering commitment to integrity and accountable leadership was celebrated as she received a laptop that will strengthen teaching, learning and service to the school community. Photo Credit: Supplied
Community spirit on display
The celebration also welcomed Ward 38 Councillor Phindile Simelane, whose attendance reflected continued support for education and community development initiatives in the area.
Residents gathered in large numbers at the school, dedicating their 67 minutes to service while embracing the values of compassion, dignity and unity that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life.
As South Africans once again reflected on Madiba’s enduring legacy, the events at Thabisang Primary School demonstrated that meaningful change often begins with simple acts of generosity—acts capable of opening doors to opportunity, inspiring hope and transforming lives for generations to come.
