BLOEMFONTEIN – The Bochabela supporters’ branch of the Siwelele FC has extended a helping hand towards the Maboloka Primary School in Bloemfontein, donating much-needed stationery. The donation replaced stationery lost to the devastating fire that left two classrooms in ruins on the night of 4 February.
Caring supporters, some of whom attended this school, rallied support by fundraising to purchase stationery that includes pens and other essentials.
Mantele Mosamo, chairperson of the Bochabelo branch, said supporters felt duty-bound to lend a helping hand to children.
“This is part of caring and supporting affected children of the school. Branch members deemed it fit to contribute to getting the school back on track, teaching children. Various branch supporters contributed financially towards this gesture of goodwill,” said Mosamo.
Some of the supporters still have children attending the very same school.
A delighted Amos Mlonyeni, principal of Maboloka, said the donation has greatly minimised the impact of the fire incident that affected more than 130 learners.
“I did not expect anything of this nature from supporters of a club. I am very grateful because they show they really care for schools.
“This is very crucial as they prove that parents have a role to play in the education of their children and caring for schools as important institutions of education. An important thing that must be known is that a school does not exist and operate in a vacuum.
“These supporters show that as parents they are interconnected with the school as part of the community, and they have become very attached to the school, having learned that some started their education here.
“The school is part of their infrastructure which must be protected at all costs for the benefit of the future of every generation,” said Mlonyeni.
He said the fire incident affected approximately 130 learners who did not have stationery. Mlonyeni said the gesture would have a far-reaching positive impact in the school whose total enrolment capacity is 648 learners.
Victor Mahatanya, surviving founding director of defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, said he was encouraged by supporters’ gesture to help the affected school.
“Fans are crucial to schools as to any football club and its success of clubs in general across the world. My children, who are adults, started their education at this school. Being invited to share in this presentation is very heartwarming,” said Mahatanya.
