CAPE TOWN – Up to 60 handcrafted school tracksuits were donated to learners of Ukanyo Primary School, who were affected by the devastating fires that ravaged the Masiphumelele area on Monday 5 February.
The handover was made possible through a joint collaboration between two Cape Town non-profit organisations (NPO), such as Masicorp and The Sewing Cafe, as well as many others.
Up to 1 100 families were affected by the fire that ravaged the Masiphumelele area for four hours on Tuesday 20 January.
More than 300 homes were destroyed in the fire.
Several fire stations responded to the scene as well as 40 ground-crew members and three helicopters for aerial support.
A week after Ukanyo Primary School opened the team at Masicorp received a request from Nelisa Dondolo, a parent and concerned community member.
Masicorp spokesperson Megan Pringle related: “She brought our attention to learners at Ukhanyo arriving at school in broken shoes, torn jerseys and uniforms far too small for their growing bodies. These are children who show up every day ready to learn and grow while carrying discomfort and quiet embarrassment into the classroom.”
The mission was clear and urgent, she added.
“Between 60 and 100 learners required full school uniforms. These are children we know by name. And we believe that dignity in education matters. We reached out to our direct donors who support our uniform programmes and through the generosity of an incredible angel donor 100 uniforms were fully funded. These children can now walk into their classrooms with confidence, comfort and restored dignity.”
People’s Post spoke with the Sewing Café, manufacturers of school tracksuits that Masicorp sells at half-price and sometimes gives away entirely to families in crisis.
“Every tracksuit we make represents two things,” explained Athene, Founder The Sewing Café. “Firstly, it’s an opportunity for our trainees to develop professional skills and earn sustainable employment. Second, it becomes an affordable tracksuit for a family who might otherwise struggle to afford one.”
The Sewing Café operates training programmes providing previously-disadvantaged community members with marketable sewing skills.
Since 2013 they’ve trained more than 300 people, with many going on to permanent employment in their manufacturing operation. The tracksuits for Masicorp are produced by this team, creating a direct link between skills development and community benefit.
“Through Masicorp’s Disaster Fund we were able to respond swiftly,” said Pringle.
“We donated funds towards Living Hope’s emergency relief efforts and provided hundreds of essential hygiene products to families who suddenly had nothing.”
Masicorp’s role in the partnership extended beyond simply distributing the tracksuits.
By selling them at half the typical retail price, they make them accessible to working families on tight budgets.
But they also go further: when shack fires devastate the community – a too-frequent occurrence – Masicorp donates replacement tracksuits to affected students.
They also provide tracksuits free of charge to families genuinely unable to afford them.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes this possible,” Pringle said. “Your support ensures that when Masiphumelele calls we are able to answer. As we move forward into this year we remain committed to serve Masiphumelele, to protect dignity and to show up when it matters most.”
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