Call to alumni to give back

Alumni Community founder Thando Mpulu has called on the alumni from schools in former disadvantaged communities to be at the forefront of ploughing back and developing their old schools.

Mpulu was talking during the Alumni Community's campaign launch in East London, to mobilise and connect alumni with their schools.

He said that because of urbanisation and the migration of black professionals to cities, schools in former disadvantaged communities were left on their own with only government funding as a form of support.

“Our communities where we come from find themselves in a situation that those we perceive as role models are migrating to suburbs,” he said.

“That leaves our townships without that contact of people who can add value to our society.

“Then we take our kids to Model C schools, which means as parents we will take an interest in these schools.”

He said while Model C schools had proper infrastructure and funding, they also had the advantage of their alumni investing in their schools.

“We see well-developed and well-resourced [former] Model C schools and they are supported by their former pupils.

“But when you go back to black schools you see schools that are poor, no infrastructure.

“They have been deserted by the very same people who come from those schools,” he said.

“The concept of crowd funding should be enough to assist our schools. These schools produce thousands of professionals, some are doctors, accountants and politicians.

“If, as an individual, I can spend a lousy R100 on that school do you know how much all of you can give to that school?” he said.

Present at the event, hosted at Chairman’s Lounge, was Eastern Cape legislature Speaker Noxolo Kiviet, and representatives of Rhodes University, the Black Business Forum, Black Management Forum and sponsors Twizza.

Kiviet said Mpulu, a UDM MPL, was mature enough to transcend the political barrier and had gathered all role players to help communities.

“He understands the responsibility of being a human being, a citizen and most of all doing your best in nation-building.

“When you focus on education you are contributing to nation-building and reconciliation,” she said.

Twizza, a company that originates from Komani, pledged to donate R5,000 to 48 schools for use in their day-to-day needs.