By Refilwe Mphirime
Charity begins at home and this is evident in the life of Gregory Tebogo Nyongane. Gregory’s mother instilled in him the importance of giving from a young age. Her motto was, “before you eat, think about the person next door, and ask yourself, does he or she have something to eat? If not, give them yours.”
The 54-year-old father of three, an activist against gender-based violence, participates in several community forums.
In January 2021, Nyongane donated 161 school uniforms to disadvantaged Grade 3 learners in Galeshewe.
This charitable life started twelve years ago when he was in town shopping for his 42th birthday party, which falls in the month of January. He walked past a crying grandmother and upon inquiry, she explained that she lost her grandchildren’s school uniform money. Nyongane was deeply moved and decided to help her. “I immediately canceled my birthday party,” remembers Nyongane. He took the money meant for the party and bought school uniforms for the grandchildren and 20 other children who live in the same street as the granny.
Ever since that fateful meeting, Gregory has changed how he celebrates his birthdays. Instead, he contributes towards the wellbeing and development of children by distributing uniforms every January and July. To date, he has bought over 1000 school uniforms.
The initial response motivated him to continue with this mission and life lessons his mother imparted in him.
“We spend so much money on unnecessary things forgetting that the person next door does not have anything to eat. We have kids walking barefoot to school and yet we still have people throwing bashes and buying alcohol,” said Nyongane.
Gregory chooses Grade 3 learners because he feels that they are neglected at that stage compared to Grade 1 level, where parents are excited and motivated to buy school uniform because it’s a new beginning. Sadly the momentum fades as they progress to other classes.
He engages with teachers and community members to identify the right candidates and he verifies the information afterward. “The least fortunate are the ones that get first preference,” highlighted Gregory.
“The purpose is to bring back Ubuntu in our communities,” he continued.
Gregory says he does this for personal gratification and has no intentions to formalise this noble deed because it would take away the essence. However, he welcomes anyone interested to assist him.
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