Media Release: SANParks facilitates the donation of 100 pairs of school shoes to children in the Free State

[Lisbeth]

20 February 2020

In support of smooth schooling and an easier learning experience for children, South African National Parks (SANParks), has partnered with a Free State-based Aphane Boerdery, an emerging wildlife game breeder, and the Bakoena Royal family at the handover ceremony of 100 pairs of school shoes at Sephokong Intermediate School in Qwa-Qwa on Thursday, 20 February 2020. The school is situated in one of the communities surrounding the majestic Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Fundisile Mketeni, CEO of SANParks mentioned that his organization has taken a strategic decision to expand its role in the developmental support of the neighbouring communities. “This handover speaks directly to the vision and mandate of SANParks ‘A world-class system of sustainable national parks reconnecting and inspiring society.’ Mketeni said it is even more important that His Majesty King Moremoholo Mopeli, as well as one of our few black-owned wildlife role players Aphane Boerdery, have chosen to provide the much-needed support in this endeavour.”

Reacting to this great gesture, His Majesty King Moremoholo Mopeli said one of our mandates as Leaders is to source partnerships with stakeholders that have an interest in community building such as SANParks through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. “It is our duty to support our education sector as their efforts have continuously proven to yield the best results nationally over time.

King Mopeli said this initiative has given birth to Bakoena and SANParks Greening Project, which strives to practice a sustainable way of taking care of our environment “It is important that this launch happens at our schools to educate our youth as our leaders of tomorrow. Together we can do more!”

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Andrew Aphamo said effective stakeholder relations and community building is key to Aphamo Boerdery. “The donation of these shoes speaks to how we hold the education of our children to the highest regard and we are willing to collaborate in efforts that enable our young learners to go to school.”

SANParks’ support for neighbouring communities includes providing infrastructure and related resources in areas of education, youth development, health and other identified needs. This initiative forms part of a broader vision from the Social Economic Transformation Unit within the organization to plough back to the surrounding communities in which our national parks are situated.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) - Northern Region Communications

Media enquiries:
Sipho Mkhwanazi
Regional Communications Manager
Tel: (012) 5304; Cell: 083 573 2543
Email: sipho.mkhwanazi@sanparks.org

[Lisbeth]

SANParks’ support for neighbouring communities includes providing infrastructure and related resources in areas of education, youth development, health and other identified needs. This initiative forms part of a broader vision from the Social Economic Transformation Unit within the organization to plough back to the surrounding communities in which our national parks are situated.

[Richprins]