AFTER a boy - seen covering his face - was humiliated for not affording a pie and juice at a school fundraiser, South Africans rallied together, raising over R55,000 in a heartfelt fundraising campaign led by influencer Mandisi Tshingana.
Image: TikTok
AFTER a boy was humiliated for not affording a pie and juice at a school fundraiser, South Africans rallied together, raising over R55,000 in a heartfelt fundraising campaign led by influencer Mandisi Tshingana.
The incident at Thembalethu Primary School went viral on social media, IOL reported.
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.