Shimza, real name Ashley Raphala, has been doing handover events annually since 2009, his way of giving back to the community. Shimza realised that many children did not have uniform or shoes and so embarked on this initiative.
The annual “One Man Show”, in its tenth year on the 25th December 2018, made this possible. The show, which saw saw the likes of AKA, Black Motion, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Busiswa, Kwesta, and Mlindo the vocalist amongst others, was performed at Mehlareng Stadium. Proceeds from the show went to buying school shoes for orphaned children.
“We heard about this amazing initiative and immediately wanted to be involved,” says Rox-ann Govender Bata South Africa Assistant Marketing Manager. “Through his “One Man Show”, Shimza was able to buy 1500 pairs of Toughees school shoes and we were happy to meet that purchase and donate an additional 1500 pairs of shoes,” added Govender.
“Bata South Africa are determined to be part of any sustainable process that will result in enduring change. Poverty should not stand in the way of children achieving their dreams and defining who they are – hard work will pave the way for them and their Toughees school shoes will serve as the vehicle that gets them there,” comments Govender
The event, hosted by Phill the Entertainer, was attended by the Mr Panyaza Lesufi (MEC of Education Gauteng Provincial Government) and Rox-ann Govender from Bata South Africa. Guests at Tembisa were treated to performances from the children in attendance with the event culminating in the shoe handover by Shimza.
Strong, durable, reliable and affordable. For 65 years, Bata Toughees have been producing South Africa’s most loved and trusted school shoes. This footwear is comfortable and versatile and allows children to be children when going to school.
