By Motshwari Mo Mofokeng |
An act of online solidarity has seen South Africans rally behind a young learner from Thembalethu Primary School in the Western Cape, after an influencer helped raise more than R30,000 for the child who allegedly could not afford a R40 school pie day.
The campaign was initiated by social media influencer Mandisa Tshingana after a classroom video surfaced online showing several learners enjoying pies and juice during a school activity while one boy sat quietly at his desk without food. In the clip, the child appears to hide his face while the teacher records the moment on a cellphone.
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, triggering widespread outrage. Many users criticised the teacher for filming the incident instead of assisting the learner, arguing that the situation publicly humiliated the child.
Tshingana responded by launching a fundraising appeal to support the learner and his family. Her call for donations quickly gained traction, with thousands of social media users sharing the campaign and contributing small amounts.
Within days, the initiative raised more than R30,000, far exceeding the original intention of helping the boy afford small school activities.
Supporters say the money could assist with the learner’s basic needs, including school supplies, meals and other essentials. Others said the gesture demonstrates the power of collective action when communities respond to injustice.
“This child deserves dignity like every other learner,” one donor wrote online.
While the fundraising effort has been widely praised, the incident has also sparked a broader conversation about poverty and chools. Education advocates say the episode highlights the importance of ensuring that no child feels excluded because of financial hardship.
The school has not yet publicly commented on the viral video, but the story continues to generate strong reactions across the country as many call for greater compassion in classrooms.
