Mining magnate Motsepe showers a windfall bonanza for Soweto schools and churches

Nie Cele

Dozens of school kids, teachers, and principals’ church congregants converged at the iconic church Regina Mundi in Rockville Soweto to witness an early Christmas donation dished out by the Motsepe Foundation.

This foundation is chaired by Billionaire businessman and mining tycoon,PatriceMotsepe.

The packed to the rafters’event also featured and attracted Gauteng department of education officials, yesteryears MamelodiSundowns FC legends and prominent radio personalities.

According to the foundation the event was part of its annual national development roadshow aimed at donation of funds for development and upgrading projects at schools and churches across the country.

On the day the foundation spent a whooping R8.5 million for 37 beneficiaries with each walking home with R150 000.

Gauteng Education MEC, PanyazaLesufi told the packed audience that at a young age his parents told him that ‘Blessed is the hand that gives’.

“It’s only now that I begin to understand that biblical adage. No matter how many times people can break and steal from yourschool, as long as Motsepe was around you will rise.

“Those coming to our rescue must not be ashamed. They must be proud that they have contributed to development of our schools,” he said.

Lesufi also reiterated that today’s learners must be the last generation to depend on social grant adding that they are empowered with education and qualifications.

“I want you to understand the importance of education and embrace it.”

Motsepe told the audience that many people in the country have no jobs and go to bed with an empty stomach.

“Many children perform very well at schools but have no money to further their studies to tertiary institutions.

“All of us within the society must have a humble and a small way of helping the others,” he said.

Motsepe also argued that government alone cannot fix the challenges faced by society.

“If we try all of us to lend a helping hand, the life of our people will be much better. If we hold our hands together we can build a better future for all.”

Billionare Patrice Motsepe and Panyaza Lesufi.

His Soweto born wife Dr Precious Motsepe contended that many schools in the township are the hope and future of the country.

On the sidelines Rebecca Mofutsanyane, Pastoral Committee Chairperson at Regina Mundi told this publication that the donation came in handy because they had plans to refurbish the church’s foyer.

She urged other business people who left the 55 year old church to come on board and see how they can assist the church.

MalokeMphahlele, a School Principal atMokgome Secondary in Meadowlands said they are going to use the money to upgrade the school’s computer lab and consumer studies Centre.

Did you know?

Patrice Motsepeis the owner of the PSL outfit MamelodiSundowns FC.

Pictures sourced from the sabc and the Citizen.