There’s something about the first day of school that carries a mixture of excitement and nerves. New beginnings hold so much potential, but they can also feel a little overwhelming—especially for a child who doesn’t have the right uniform, the right shoes, or the right stationery to walk into that classroom with confidence.
That’s why moments like this matter.
As part of our Back to School campaign, our Chief Secretary, Lt Colonel Themba Mahlobo, along with Divisional Leaders and Officers, visited Thula Primary School in the Mpumalanga and eSwatini Division and William Booth Primary School in Northern KZN—not to make an appearance, but to make a difference. And what a joy it was to see the surprise on the children’s faces as they received brand-new school uniforms!
Because this wasn’t just about fabric and stitching. It was about dignity. It was about belonging. It was about reminding these young learners that they are seen, valued, and loved.
The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory is committed to standing in the gap for schoolchildren across South Africa. We know that a fresh start isn’t just about books and classrooms—it’s about giving a child the confidence to walk boldly into their future. When a uniform fits just right, when shoes aren’t too tight or too worn, when a child no longer has to worry about looking different from their classmates—that’s when true learning can flourish.
As we continue this campaign, our prayer is simple: that every child would not only receive what they need materially but also know that they are deeply loved by a God who sees them, clothes them with dignity, and calls them His own.
