Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Parks Tau donated more than 1 500 pairs of school shoes worth more than R100 000 at a Jozi FM Year Opening Prayer 2015 at the weekend.

Mayor Tau was responding to the community radio station’s shoe-collection drive calling on Johannesburg residents to pledge school shoes donations for underprivileged learners at its annual prayer event held at the Dhlamini Recreational Centre in Dhlamini, Soweto on Sunday.

The school shoes donated by Mayor Tau in partnership with several corporate sponsors exceeded by far the expectations of Jozi FM Chief Executive Officer Mpho Mhlongo, who had set out to collect 1 000 pairs this year.

Mayor Tau’s spokesperson Phindile Chauke represented the Executive Mayor at the event, and praised the station for going the extra mile in helping communities in its area of coverage, including providing girls from poor backgrounds with sanitary pads.

“It was through knocking on a few doors in less than 24-hours that the Executive Mayor was able to open the hearts and hands of sponsors to partner with him in making donations to the Jozi FM shoe collection drive. He has indicated that he will continue to support such initiatives in future,” Chauke said to loud applause.

Furthermore, Ward 19 Councillor Lulama Sibanyoni said it was Mayor Tau’s will and determination to assist poor communities in Johannesburg, particularly vulnerable members. Mhlongo also thanked the City for its continued support of the station.

“We came up with this vision to start the year with an interdenominational prayer service, a fellowship under one roof. We have had very successful thanks-giving services at the end of the year and this is a perfect way to start 2015.

Mhlongo said the community’s continued support made the station stronger. “Without [this support] there is no Jozi FM. We are one big family and together we will make 2015 great. We have big plans for this year. The station turns 20 and you continue to inspire us.” – CityofJoburg