​Learners from disadvantaged backgrounds in schools across the province will start the 2025 academic year with a new spring in their walk after the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko together with Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) employees donated 740 pairs of shoes as part of the Back to School Campaign.
Already, learners from eight (8) schools across three districts; Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni have benefited from the donations. These schools include Ibhongo Secondary School, Zakheni Primary School and Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary School in Soweto, Tshwane Secondary School and Nellmapius Secondary School in Tshwane, and Tsimong Primary School, Khangezile Primary School and Theo Thwala Primary School in Kwa-Thema. 
GDoH employees took part in a departmental drive and donated school shoes and sanitary pads, as well as soccer kits contributed by the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. This was complemented by donations of dignity pacs (roll on, pads, face cloth, tooth bush and toothpaste), school shoes and bags and stationery from various donors. Trees were also planted as part of preserving the environment.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko presented the Principals and the School Governing Bodies of these schools with the donations while leading the Back-to-School programme as part of the Gauteng Provincial Government's support to schools as they kick-start the 2025 academic year. 
The MEC said that the initiative to donate shoes and sanitary pads amongst other essentials goes a long way in ensuring that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds do not miss a day in school because they do not have these items.
"One of the principals at a school we donated the school shoes to in Soweto was so emotional when they received the donation. She explained to me that many learners sometimes come to school wearing worn out school shoes or sneakers and with the donation, the school will make sure that learners in need are given a new pair," said the MEC. 
The back to school campaign was used to also provide support to schools and assess their state of readiness for the academic year. The MEC was joined by the mayors and members of mayoral committees from the various municipalities including officials from provincial and municipal departments.