For 13 years, the Steyn City Foundation’s annual festive season initiative, “Delivering Happiness to Diepsloot“, has been a beacon of hope and joy for young learners in one of South Africa’s most underserved communities.

Each year, the Foundation’s simple act of generosity – gifting new stationery, school backpacks, and treats – has a profound impact on the lives of these learners. These gifts hold immense significance ina community where such donations are rare, inspiring students to pursue their dreams, despite the challenges they face.

This year, the Foundation was fortunate to receive incredible support from Bidvest, which generously donated R1 million worth of stationery. Items ranged from pencil bags, rulers, erasers, pencils, sharpeners, and crayons, to colouring books, flip files, and play dough for younger pupils (Grades 0–3). Older students (Grades 4–7) received age-appropriate items such as pens, maths sets, glue, and exercise books. According to Bidvest Executive Director, Gillian McMahon, “At Bidvest, we recognise that education is the cornerstone of social progress, and as a deeply committed corporate citizen in South Africa, we believe in investing in education. Through this partnership, we continue to drive our efforts in empowering learners with the tools they need to pursue academic excellence which reflects our belief that quality education is the most powerful catalyst for social and economic development.”

The Foundation is also grateful to Easy Source for its contribution. The organisation provided free delivery of sweet buckets, popcorn, and cold drinks to the packing site at Steyn City, which, along with the school backpacks, were funded by the Steyn City Foundation.

Dithakga Events generously lent their delivery truck for two days, ensuring the gifts were distributed to Muzomuhle Primary School.The remaining six registered primary schools to receive gifts include Diepsloot 4 Primary School, Diepsloot Combined School, Musenga Vhadzimo Primary School, Paradise Bend Primary School, Reshomile Primary School, RiversandPrimary School and Muzomuhle Primary School. This year, Muzomuhle Primary School was selected for a special visit from members of the Foundation, Steyn City employees, and residents who helped distribute the 2,500 bags to the schoolchildren. A special thanks to Sloane Butchery for providing 2,500 boerewors rolls at cost to feed both the learners and teachers as part of the morning’s festive celebrations. BrandSync also provided branded staff t-shirts, at their base cost, adding a vibrant touch to the event.  

Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties, comments: “The smiles on the children’s faces at Muzomuhle speak volumes about the impact our initiative has on these impressionable young people. We hope this act of kindness goes a long way in making a difference in their lives. We are deeply grateful to our many sponsors, and to the Steyn City community – residents and staff members alike – many of whom volunteered their time earlier this month to help pack the bags. This in itself is a monumental undertaking. Diepsloot is an important community to us, as many of these children’s parents have worked, or continue to work, on our estate, whether on construction projects or in full-time services such as security, landscaping, cleaning and other services. This is our small way of showing our thanks and bringing some Festive cheer.”