THE FUSE

No matter how high Colonel Moeketsi Phiri flies as a SAPS Air Wing Commander, his heart remains firmly planted in the community that raised him.

Free State, South Africa (15 February 2026) – When Moeketsi Phiri set out to join the national police, he always held where he came from close to his heart, regardless of how far his journey and accomplishments took him. Today, honoured as a SAPS Bloemfontein Air Wing Commander, Colonel Phiri still recognises the importance of going back and giving back to the place it all started – home.

Born and raised in Mahlatswetsa, Excelsior, returned to his roots with a heart of compassion and a commitment to uplift the next generation. Accompanied by his colleagues, he donated 54 pairs of school shoes to deserving learners at Mahlatswetsa Primary School.

The initiative was aimed at supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure they attend school with dignity and confidence.

According to SAPS, the handover ceremony was marked by excitement as learners received brand-new school shoes, a gesture that will not only ease the burden on their families but also motivate them to focus on their education.

Speaking during the handover, Colonel Phiri emphasised the importance of remembering where one comes from and giving back to the community that shaped one.

“I stand here today not only as a Bloemfontein Air Wing Commander but as a proud son of Mahlatswetsa. Education changed my life, and I believe that with the right support, these learners can achieve anything,” said Colonel Phiri.

The initiative was made possible through a partnership with retired Colonel Zabulon Moyana and his wife, retired Captain MaSamuel Moyana, and Excelsior SAPS, who also share a passion for community development. Together, they worked to ensure that the learners received the necessary support ahead of the new school term.

The school principal, Thabile Mmui, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generous donation, highlighting that a proper school uniform, including shoes, plays a crucial role in boosting learners’ confidence and school attendance.

This act of kindness reflects the spirit of Ubuntu, the belief that “I am because we are.” By investing in the future of Mahlatswetsa Primary School learners, SAPS said Colonel Phiri and his partners have demonstrated that true leadership goes beyond official duties; it is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.