Over 700 pairs of school shoes were recently donated to underprivileged learners in Zone 5, Mbizana, through a back-to-school campaign led by Mrs Bold 2024 winner, Cynthia Nene. The initiative was made possible through her collaboration with Wild Coast Sun, where she serves as the marketing manager, along with support from local businesses and community stakeholders.
The campaign began when Nene, affectionately known in the community as Mrs Bold, returned from a hair appointment and felt compelled to help children in need prepare for the academic year. She later rallied the hospitality and business sectors during the December 2024 festive season, receiving an overwhelming response that turned her idea into a large-scale charitable success.
“I didn’t anticipate that we would have such a huge response,” said Nene. “It’s important to study and be educated. Today I encourage all learners to take schooling seriously so they may have a brighter future.” Though not originally from Mbizana, she considers the community her second home and continues to contribute meaningfully through various outreach projects.
The donation event drew appreciation from local voices. Mr Thulani Mchunu, a board member of Transkei Sun who grew up in Ebenezer, expressed pride in the initiative, saying it was important to give back to the place that shaped him. Mrs Lulama Nteyi, chairperson of the Mbizana Development Trust, said such acts promote education and help combat poverty and crime. “We are happy that you took this step to promote education. When you develop education, you develop the young as well,” she said.
This campaign is one of many projects Nene has taken on since being crowned Mrs Bold in October 2024. Her previous initiatives include two beach clean-ups, motivational school talks, an Easter campaign for disabled children at Umzuvukile Special Care Centre, and her “Wheels of Hope” campaign which delivered wheelchairs to those in need.
Wild Coast Sun, which recently celebrated 40 years of operation, continues to reinforce its role as a community partner. General Manager Mr Henry Tshegetso Boekhouer said that the company is committed to supporting local communities through education and job creation. “We are here for the community and hope that one day, some of these children will run the Wild Coast Sun,” he said. He added that community outreach will remain a key priority for the resort.
Mr Jali from Uyabonwa Security Services, one of the partnering companies, expressed his gratitude for being involved. “We are pleased to have taken part in this, and we hope this initiative happens every year, in this and other communities,” he said. Miss Ngeneka, a member of the School Governing Body, also shared her appreciation, saying the effort means a lot to the community.
Representing the Department of Education, Mr Vakele Dumela commended the initiative and welcomed the donations with open arms. “This gesture of hospitality and kindness comes from the heart. If we are starting with almost 1,000 shoes, it shows great potential for even more impact in the future,” he said.
The school shoe campaign marks yet another chapter in the Wild Coast Sun’s ongoing work with the Mbizana Development Trust, which recently saw them build a house for a struggling resident. As one of the region’s most longstanding establishments, Wild Coast Sun reaffirmed its commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of local people.
