South Africans unite to raise R55 000 for boy shamed over pie
Generosity in action: Influencer raises R55,000 for bullied schoolboy.
Image: Supplued
In an act of kindness, South Africans demonstrated the true spirit of ubuntu following an incident at Thembalethu Primary School, where a Grade 1 learner was humiliated for not being able to afford a pie.
The incident viral on social media and within hours, the nation responded. Many South Africans condemned the alleged bullying and demanded action against the teacher involved.
Amid the outrage, Mandisi Tshingana stepped in to help.
The influencer, who has more than 855,000 followers on Facebook, launched a fundraising drive for the boy and his family.
Using his large online platform to mobilise support, he quickly drew donations from people across the country who wanted to help restore the youngster’s dignity.
In just a short time, the campaign had raised over R55,000, turning a moment of humiliation into a powerful example of how social media can be used for good.
School authorities later confirmed that the teacher at the centre of the controversy had been suspended pending investigation.
"Guys, I wish I were quiet with your money. It seems like you are chasing R60,000 now. God is showing off," Tshingana said on the donations.
IOL previously reported that Western Cape education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond called the incident ''totally inappropriate'' and that a probe was launched.
According to Hammond, the video was shared with the parent group.
"[That was done] purportedly to highlight that the learner was the only learner excluded from receiving goods purchased through a fundraising initiative.
"It has since been established that the teacher had in fact purchased the fundraising item for the pupil, who received it after the filming of the video," Hammond said.