The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Durban West hosted its annual school uniform donation drive on Friday, 14 February 2025 in Pinetown, Anderson sports ground. The programme’s initiative is aimed at assisting learners with school uniform to kick-start their academic year with confidence.
Municipality officials, parents, teachers and learners were all present at the event to support and appreciate SANTACO’s efforts to help communities especially when it comes to kids who are still schooling. EThekwini Municipality spokesperson , Thabani Nyawose is among officials who support this initiative. He emphasised that communities and business owners should participate in these kind of programs.
We are here to support SANTACO Durban West and to motivate them to continue with lending a hand in communities , helping our children in different schools across the region. We also wish to see businesses and churches in communities doing the same thing , assisting and participating in programs like this one.
Speaking at the event, SANTACO Durban West Chairperson, Zithulele Mkhize highlighted that the association is planning on hosting such events frequently considering its impact among communities . He also mentioned that small contributions do make a significant difference in a child’s academic journey.
Our strategy is about filling the gap. SANTACO officials had previously tackled the issues faced by school learners, and decided to reach out to schools across provinces. To make a significant move, we then analysed what the children usually like or prefer , that they cant access from time to time because of financial strain. That is why we brought jumping castles and also called artists to perform for them.
SANTACO’s program does not only help school children, but it also impacts teaching in schools, making it easier for teachers to assess their learners at ease in a more relaxed environment. One of the teachers who attended the event, Mrs Mthembu , highlighted that SANTACO’s move gives them hope as teachers, seeing that children can be able to come to school without any difficulties and also be in a suitable environment for learning and enjoying themselves as kids.
SANTACO Durban West not only provides assistance with school uniforms , but also oversees challenges faced by the schools , ensuring that school children and teachers work under hygienic conditions and facilities. This initiative reinforces SANTACO’s commitment to community development beyond transport services, with a demonstration that the taxi industry is more than just a means of transport.
