Plumtree philanthropist does it again

PLUMTREE - Plumtree benefactor, Bigfoster Nkomose made a second donation in as many years in the district, when he handed over educational equipment to three primary schools in his rural area during the just-ended festive season.

The Johannesburg-based Nkomose, who first donated educational supplies to Tjingababili, Makuzeze and Tshitshi primary schools during a ceremony attended by local traditional and political leaders in 2014, had a few additional helping hands as he donated to the same schools again this time round.

"We got a positive feedback from the first time donation I made and that helped encourage other people to become part of the initiative this time and that is quite pleasing," said Nkomose.


Nkomose (in black top) with some of the beneficiary officials

"We had other people like Author Jankie Ncube come on board with additional books, pencils, pencil erasers, crayons and ballpoint pens, which were shared equally among the three schools. Mahlathini Ncube - a cross-border transport operator popularly known Umalayitsha wakoTshitshi, offered free transport for the donations and that helped us a lot. That he did this at such a busy time of the year, when other transport operators were making a killing showed us what a responsible citizen he is. It became much easier this time because I wasn't alone. In the first instance, everything had come from my own pocket." Nkomose, who values education as the key to unlocking development for the future generation, promised to turn his initiative into an annual event and urged fellow Zimbabweans to do the same in their respective areas.


Some of the donated supplies

"My wish is to see everyone in our country do the same because educating one child can change the whole environment," added the philanthropist.

"We thank our councillor, Sindisiwe Sibanda and the three Schools Development Committees for attending and giving us their feedback. Our next target is growing and expanding this initiative to neighbouring schools next year. We are also planning to form a formidable committee and register as a non-governmental organisation for such purposes."

Nkomose, who attended Makuzeze for his primary school education, said he felt obliged to contribute to the current generation of students at not only that school, but neighbouring ones as well.