Statement by Donald Grant, Minister of Education in the Western Cape

This morning, Western Cape Minister for Education, Donald Grant visited Bob Skinstad in his “jail cell” at the V&A Waterfront in support of his campaign to raise funds, on behalf of the bobsforgood foundation, for school shoes for underprivileged children.

“There are thousands of learners who live in poverty in the Western Cape. Many don’t have access to the most basic needs, let alone a good pair of school shoes. Unfortunately, the cost of shoes is more than many families can afford,” said Grant.

“Therefore, we enthusiastically support, and have endorsed, the bobsforgood “Walk This Way” campaign which will be giving the gift of school shoes to thousands of learners who either attend school barefoot or in a pair of worn out shoes.”

Skinstad is actively raising funds in his campaign, “Walk this Way”, which will benefit over 4 000 children from 39 different schools. To raise awareness, he will be living in a make-shift “jail cell” for five nights at the V&A Waterfront’s Barrow Court from Monday 15th February to 20th February. He will then make a “jail break” and begin his journey across the Western Cape, distributing shoes to disadvantaged learners, as well as, take part in a number of coaching clinics and community walks. His tour ends on the 27th of February at the Waterfront.

“The Western Cape Education Department fully supports this campaign,” said Grant.

“While some of us take a pair of shoes for granted, this campaign will definitely have a positive psychological effect on the way a child sees himself or herself. A new pair of shoes can boost a learner’s confidence and instill a sense of pride and self respect, allowing one to participate fully in their education."

Grant said that a pair of sturdy shoes will also do much to ease some of our learner’s long journeys to school.

“In some parts of the Western Cape, schools are widely dispersed, forcing our learners to travel long distances to and from school daily,” he said.

“We sincerely hope that both the public and private sector contribute to this great cause. We must all take responsibility for our nations' future and a simple thing, like a pair of shoes, will make a big difference in a child’s life.”

Grant has encouraged members of the public to visit the Waterfront and show their support for the cause.

You can also log onto www.bobsforgoodfoundation.org and donate online or send an EFT to:

For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey:  072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za