Thabani’s story

The start of Inkanyiso School Shoes

“I grew up in rural KwaZulu Natal, in a village outside of KwaDukuza. I pride myself in knowing I am a product of my village, where you are taught the principles of Ubuntu, to share with those who are less privileged.

However, when I was younger, I did not yet know this lesson. Although not wealthy, my single mother was able to afford the things I needed to receive a good education. My friend Thabani, like many others, was from a family who could not.

Thabani was very intelligent and had a bright future. We were sure he would become a successful engineer. But he also did not own a pair of school shoes. He was teased and bullied and made fun of for this. And I was one of those who teased him.

Soon Thabani stopped coming to school until eventually he dropped out of school altogether. Years later, I was shocked to see him again outside a spaza shop. He was working as a sugar cane cutter with no formal education and no hope for the future.

For years I felt guilty for the role I played in Thabani’s life. Where I failed him, I would not fail another South African child. And so I started Inkanyiso School Shoes.

Since we began in 2016, together with our Partners for Prosperity, we have manufactured and gifted school shoes to over 17 500 children.

Inkanyiso School Shoes are more than just shoes. They represent pride, dignity and hope for the future.”

• Nkanyiso Mngoma, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Inkanyiso School Shoes