Soweto former pupils asked to pay R250 a month to fix old schools

• Former pupils from Soweto public schools are being encouraged to contribute R3,000 a year to help repair their old schools.
• Those who cannot afford to pay can volunteer their time and skills to improve school buildings and facilities.

Former pupils from Soweto schools are being asked to give back to the schools that helped shape their lives by helping to repair buildings and improve facilities.

The Batho Pele Convention has launched the Soweto Alumni Programme, which encourages former pupils to contribute R3,000 a year towards improving public schools in the township.

The programme was launched by Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, who said members can pay R250 a month instead of paying the full amount at once.

Those who cannot afford to contribute money can volunteer their time and skills to help with renovations.

Ndlozi said the programme also plans to support schools for children with special needs.

A WhatsApp channel will be created to keep communities updated on projects and share financial reports showing how the money is spent.

Tshepo Mshengu, an entrepreneur from Zondi 2 in Soweto, said the programme brought back memories of his school days.

He attended Entandweni Primary School, Usindiso Higher Primary School and PJ Simelane High School.

Mshengu, who works in the events industry, said he was disappointed by the lack of sports and arts facilities when he was at school.

He still lives near his former high school and said seeing its condition makes him sad.

“When I look at that school, I become very sad, looking at the infrastructure and stuff,” he said.

Mshengu believes the programme could make a difference for children currently attending the schools and future generations.

He is willing to volunteer his artistic skills and hopes to contribute financially.

“I am also willing to contribute the R3,000 annual fee but I’ll see if I’ll be able to manage,” he said.

He explained that his income as an entrepreneur changes from month to month, making it difficult to commit to a fixed payment.

The programme hopes to bring former pupils together to improve classrooms, school buildings and other facilities at the schools they once attended.