By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Zimborders Consortium has donated hundreds of pairs of school shoes to two local schools in Beitbridge as part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The donation benefited learners at Beitbridge Mission and Dulibadzimu primary schools, with a total of 255 pairs of shoes handed over to needy pupils.
As a corporate resident of Beitbridge, Zimborders said it has been piloting CSR initiatives for the past three years.
Zimborders has helped the building of 18 secondary school science laboratories in the district and, in 2024, expanded its programme to address broader community needs, including the donation of school shoes to at least six schools under the Rural District Council.
Zimborders General Manager Mr Nqobile Ncube said the initiative is part of a pilot project aimed at making a meaningful impact in the border community where the organisation operates.
“We set out to identify schools with the most needy students and today we managed to donate 130 pairs of school shoes at Beitbridge Mission and 125 pairs at Dulibadzimu Primary School,” he said.
“Our first CSR initiative focused on basic utility laboratories, which were provided to at least 18 secondary schools in Beitbridge District in support of the Government’s drive towards STEM subjects. We will continue with this thrust.”
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Beitbridge Mission Primary School Headmistress Monica Ndlovu expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that many vulnerable learners would benefit.
“We are privileged to have received a donation of 130 pairs of shoes for our needy and less privileged learners, including those living with disabilities from ECD A to Grade 7. We are very grateful for this support,” she said.
Mlaleli Ndlovu, the School Development Committee Chairperson at Dulibadzimu Primary School, also applauded the gesture.
“This donation will go a long way in restoring dignity and confidence among our learners. We sincerely thank Zimborders for remembering our children and supporting education in our community,” he said.
Zimborders reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in education and community welfare programmes in Beitbridge.