Eighty learners from 16 previously disadvantaged schools in Nelson Mandela Bay have received full school uniforms as part of EnviroServ Waste Management’s Alex Matikinca Dress a Learner programme.

From jerseys to shirts, trousers, socks, shoes and tracksuits, the learners, who hail from schools across Motherwell, New Brighton, Wells Estate and Veeplaas, have been fully kitted with brand-new school wear.

The learners hail from David Vuku, Dumani, Enkwenkwezini, Emafini, Eludini, Funimfundo, Amanzi, Enkululekweni, Melisizwe, Nxanelwimfundo, Vukanibantu, Ikhwezelihle and Coega primary schools, and Lonwabo Special School, Coselelani and Ncedo high schools, which are all in the vicinity of EnviroServ’s Aloes waste management facility.

For some children, it was the first time they had received an item of clothing which was brand new, said EnviroServ’s Group Public Affairs Manager, Makgabo van Niekerk.

The government has made a call to corporate South Africa to assist in initiatives which accelerate nation building and development, and EnviroServ answered the call with their annual school uniform programme which clothes needy learners at schools around their operations across the country.

“EnviroServ is privileged to yet again be able to make a difference in the lives of learners around our waste management facilities. Knowing that we will contribute to the education and well-being of 205 future leaders is something we do not take for granted,” said Van Niekerk.

A total of 205 school children from around the country received much needed school uniforms from head to toe from EnviroServ in 2024 – 80 from Gqeberha, 80 in Etwatwa event and 45 from schools in and around Phomolong.