For thousands of South African children, a pair of shoes is more than just protection for their feet – it’s a source of confidence, dignity, and a step forward toward a brighter tomorrow.
South Africa (05 November 2024) – Every year, we spotlight stories of brands and companies rallying together to bring about change, often through something as simple as school shoes for underprivileged children.
In a country where walking to school barefoot is not uncommon, a pair of sturdy shoes does more than protect little feet – it fuels confidence, giving children a sense of pride and belonging. A new pair of school shoes helps a child step into the world with self-assurance, prepared to face the challenges of learning and growing. But not everyone can afford a new pair of school shoes. In South Africa, where poverty remains a daily reality for many families, tough choices must be made – putting food on the table often takes priority over buying new school shoes.
Thankfully, initiatives like this step in, filling the gap with a gift that’s practical and deeply impactful.
Since its inception, Good Things Guy has supported Netcare and Adcock Ingram Critical Care’s “My Walk” campaign, a brilliant initiative that brings hope, environmental sustainability, and education support together in one powerful act.
With every pair of new school shoes given, a barrier is lifted, allowing little South Africans to focus on their studies without worry or discomfort.
The “My Walk” programme has provided over 232,000 pairs of school shoes to children across South Africa. And it’s not just any shoe – these shoes are crafted from recycled healthcare waste, including items like drip bags and tubing, donated from 19 Netcare hospitals in Gauteng. These sturdy, fully recyclable shoes are as durable as they are meaningful.
“Since inception in 2019, My Walk has equipped 232,389 children with brand new, fully recyclable school shoes made from high-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) reclaimed from uncontaminated, non-hazardous healthcare waste,” shares Delanie Bezuidenhout, General Manager of My Walk.
“We are extremely grateful to our My Walk sponsors for their tremendous support in 2024 to make the path to an education a little easier for the beneficiaries at schools all over the country.”
The initiative addresses immediate needs and also longer-term environmental impact. By converting PVC materials into shoes, My Walk has diverted over 125,000 kilograms of healthcare waste from landfills, preventing an estimated 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere for every ton repurposed. The environmental benefits are just as powerful as the social ones – this is a circular economy at work, turning what would have been waste into something that directly improves young lives.
And the world is taking notice.
My Walk recently clinched the “Beyond Sustainability Project” award at the SAB Beyond Awards and was recognised with a Nedbank Green Economy Award in 2023. The initiative is also a finalist for the New York Festivals Award for health and wellness innovation and the Eco-Logic Circular Economy and Waste Award for 2024.
“At present, on average, 7,991 children each month receive a pair of My Walk school shoes, which is incredibly rewarding for our passionate team behind this initiative,” says Colin Sheen, Managing Director of Adcock Ingram Critical Care.
“This recognition highlights the scalability and sustainability of integrated and transformative environmental and social projects across the African continent.”
As the demand for quality, durable footwear grows, My Walk is expanding. In a recent announcement, Dr Nceba Ndzwayiba, Netcare’s Group Director of Human Resources and Transformation, shared that the initiative will soon reach KwaZulu-Natal, with Netcare hospitals like Kingsway, Umhlanga, and St Augustine’s joining the mission. This expansion means more materials can be recycled and more shoes can be provided to children in need.
“Thanks to the generous contributions from individuals and businesses over the past five years, My Walk has experienced remarkable growth,” says Dr Ndzwayiba.
“Our mission is to leverage our sustainable and innovative solution towards recycling healthcare waste to ensure that every child in South Africa has a pair of school shoes.”
These school shoes cost just R35 a pair, less than a cappuccino, but the impact is life-changing. For those looking to support, there’s an opportunity to contribute directly or sponsor in bulk, helping more children step into school prepared, with dignity and pride.
My Walk’s story is a heartening reminder of what’s possible when individuals and businesses join hands, reimagining waste as opportunity and investing in future generations. Each donated shoe isn’t just footwear – it’s an investment in a child’s journey, a step toward their dreams, and a stride toward a more sustainable, hopeful future for us all.
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