One hundred learners at Siqobile Primary School in Tshwane received much-needed school shoes, thanks to Engen Thorntree ZZ Convenience Centre, as part of Engen’s Dealer Community Partnership Programme (DCPP).

The initiative is part of the Engen Thorntree dealer, Ben Fourie’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community through involvement with the Mukalanga Foundation, which has included sponsorship of the foundation’s annual soccer tournament since 2024.

Through the DCPP, Engen partners with its dealers on initiatives that uplift, educate and empower communities in the areas surrounding Engen service stations.

Fourie’s involvement with Siqobile Primary School came about through collaboration with Norman Munyai of the Mukalanga Foundation. The partnership has provided an opportunity to extend the support associated with the annual soccer tournament into other initiatives that benefit children and the wider community.

The soccer tournament was established to give children from the area an opportunity to experience the values of sport, including teamwork, discipline, participation and perseverance, while providing a positive platform for young people in the community.

Over time, the tournament has also created opportunities for additional community support, including the sponsorship of school shoes for learners at Siqobile Primary School.

Speaking at the handover on Friday, 28 August 2026, Dealer Fourie said the initiative was a natural extension of Engen Thorntree ZZ Convenience Centre’s ongoing involvement in the community.

“We are proud to support Siqobile Primary School with something as practical and important as school shoes. Our involvement with the Mukalanga Foundation and the annual soccer tournament has allowed us to build relationships in the community and identify other areas where we can make a difference. Every learner deserves to feel comfortable and confident when they arrive at school, and we hope these shoes will make a meaningful difference to the learners receiving them.”

Thabo Tswai, Engen’s National Sales and Operations Manager (Inland), who attended the handover, said the initiative demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration between business, dealers, schools, government and local communities.

“Today is about more than handing over school shoes. It is about what we can achieve when we work together as a business, with our Dealers, schools, government and the communities we serve. Our Dealers are an integral part of our value chain. They are not only business partners but are also part of the communities where we operate. They understand the local needs and, importantly, the opportunities. Working closely with them helps us make a more meaningful difference where it matters most.”

Tswai said community upliftment was central to Engen’s approach to doing business.

“At the heart of what we do is uplifting our communities. We believe that when we thrive as a business, the communities around us should also benefit and have opportunities to grow. For us, business success and community impact go hand in hand. A handover is a moment, but what matters is what happens afterwards. We want to build partnerships that go beyond the handover, beyond funding and beyond PR. It is about building relationships, understanding the needs on the ground and working together on solutions that have lasting value.”

He added that meaningful community impact required collaboration across different sectors.

“I would also like to acknowledge the Department of Education for its support of the school and its learners. Government, business, our Dealers, schools and communities each bring something different, and when we work together, we can achieve much more. We thank everyone who played a part in making today possible and hope this is not simply the end of an initiative, but the start of a meaningful partnership that allows us to do more and create an impact that lasts.”

Ms Maselela, Principal of Siqobile Primary School, expressed her appreciation for the support.

“We are sincerely grateful for this generous contribution. For many of our learners, a new pair of school shoes is more than just part of a school uniform; it gives them confidence, dignity and a sense of pride. This support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the learners who received these shoes.”

“The DCPP provides an opportunity for Engen dealers to play a meaningful role in addressing needs within their local communities,” said Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager. “Engen’s dealers are an important part of the communities in which we operate, and the DCPP gives us an opportunity to work together to make a practical difference.”

“We commend Ben and the Thorntree ZZ team for identifying a real need at Siqobile Primary School and responding in a way that will directly benefit learners. The dealer’s ongoing involvement with the Mukalanga Foundation shows how sustained community engagement can create opportunities for further initiatives that benefit learners and the wider community.”

Through the DCPP, Engen continues to work alongside its network of dealers to identify opportunities to support schools, community organisations and local initiatives, helping to create positive and sustainable impact in communities across South Africa.

The initiative also supports Engen’s broader commitment to education, empowerment and social development. Earlier this year, as part of its national Back-to-School campaign, Engen provided more than 900 pairs of school shoes to learners in disadvantaged communities across South Africa.