A Back to school program led by local businessman Andrew Barnard has brought renewed hope and dignity to learners from Soul City and Luipaardvlei.
“Let’s remember: one book, one pen, one child, one businessman can change the world for good course”.
These words captured the spirit of back to school initiative, recently organized by Andrew Barnard, which took place on 17 Saturday, January 2026. At the various sports grounds at Soul City and Luipaardvlei, in Mogale City. The program aimed to support disadvantaged learners by providing 100 school shoes for both boys and girls, and sanitary pads for girls, and also book covering services to ensure learners were prepared and confident for the new academic year 2026.
Local businesses were highlighted as key stakeholders in community development, working hand in hand with other partners to improve living conditions- especially for the vulnerable families. Many of the beneficiaries came from households where parents are unemployed and dependent on government social grants, while others receive no income support at all.
Speaking at the event, Barnard emphasized the importance of community involvement: “There’s a need in our communities and as a local businesses, we want to give start giving back. This is not about politics but community involvement. Everyone is here today to support and unite. Late last year 2025 December, we successfully distributed food parcels. We may not have resources yet, but we are starting small and will grow bigger and bigger. Today, we’re donating 100 school shoes, pads for girls and later serve them with lunch”.
As a community leader of Ward 16 in Soul City, Mr. Benjamin Kgatsu, welcomed the initiative, saying: “Today’s program is about our learners receiving school shoes and our young girls receives sanitary pads to boost their confidence and also to encourage them not to bunk school. This is not about politics but community involvement. We thank Andrew Barnard for his continued commitment to service delivery and also helping our children with school uniforms and school shoes. These donations will truly help our children”.
At the end of the conclusion of the program, parents received the donated school shoes and sanitary pads on behalf of their children, while all learners had their books nearly covered in the preparation for the academic year 2026. The initiative stands as a powerful example of how local businesses can play a meaningful role in uplifting communities throughout and compassionate actions.
By Thabo Motlhabi
The post Local Businessman Brings Hope Through Back-to- School Program in Soul City and Luipaardvlei appeared first on The Home Of Great South African News.
A Back to school program led by local businessman Andrew Barnard has brought renewed hope and dignity to learners from Soul City and Luipaardvlei. “Let’s remember: one book, one pen, one child, one businessman can change the world for good course”. These words captured the spirit of back to school initiative, recently organized by Andrew
The post Local Businessman Brings Hope Through Back-to- School Program in Soul City and Luipaardvlei appeared first on The Home Of Great South African News. Read More
