WITH public schools reopening on Monday, February 15, many parents are still struggling with the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the country, including many job losses and a lack of income.
The opening of schools comes with many families being unable to afford school uniforms and other essentials.
On Monday, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, settled school uniform lay-bys for the underprivileged at PEP Cleary Park Shopping Mall, and with that also challenged his colleagues to do the same, wherever they are.
“Sadly, for many parents, buying the necessary school clothes and shoes is an expensive exercise. From my own pocket, I settled (the accounts for) some school items for parents and families who have items on lay-by at this store,” Bhanga said.
He was joined by DA MMC, Rano Kayser, and MPL Retief Odendaal, who also contributed to paying for lay-bys from their own pockets.
The store will contact the clients who had their lay-by settled today.
This small gesture, when multiplied, can bring tremendous relief to parents.
“I challenge my friends, colleagues, residents and corporates, who can afford to do so, to settle school lay-bys to do so during this week and post it on social media, using the #NMBHelpOut, but please do not reveal the beneficiary details,” Bhanga said.
