AutoZone, Helping Hands donate pads

SITEKI – AutoZone, in collaboration with Helping Hands Foundation, donated 130 string bags with sanitary pads, toothpaste and toothbrushes, worth E5 000, to pupils of Nceka Primary and High Schools on Saturday.

Also making a donation of 10 citrus trees to both schools was 2022 Youth Farmer of the Year Winner Gcinile Sikhondze while, Siphofaneni Indvuna Yenkhundla Mzimela Simelane donated four pairs of school shoes to needy pupils.

About 130 pupils from both schools attended the event.

The foundation’s Founder Ncamiso Mahlalela said their main objective was to assist needy pupils, especially girls, with sanitary pads.

Mahlalela said working with community leaders like Nceka Umphakatsi Bucopho Nkosingiphile Masina and Indvuna Mzimela Simelane, his foundation was able to identify the needy pupils in the schools around the constituency.

“It is heartwarming to note that the present pupils are excited with the donation we are handing out to them today. We hope more companies will come forth and collaborate with us so we can reach a larger group of pupils who are in need of these products,” he said.

Implored

Speaking on behalf of AutoZone, Menelisi Mabuza implored the pupils to focus on their future dreams by ‘making books their friends’.

“For you to be able to attain your future goals, you need to study and make books your friends. As a company, we are excited to contribute to the welfare of the youth in schools,” he said.

In his appreciation address, Indvuna Simelane thanked both the foundation and AutoZone for the donation and encouraged the pupils to behave.

He also mentioned that he was worried with the notable rise in HIV infection statistics under his constituency.