The Shuter & Shooter team met Mfundo Radebe for the first time in early 2017 when he was asked to be our brand ambassador for Ace it!, our new study guide series. We were instantly drawn in by his wide smile, his passion for education and his enthusiasm and willingness to change the status quo. Mfundo is a shining example of what the African child is capable of, and we are excited to share his story with South Africa and the world.

Through our conversations we learnt about the Dlulisa Initiative, an organisation founded by Mfundo to attempt to redress the imbalanced distribution of learning materials in the country’s poorest schools. With a long and proud history of 96 years as a producer and distributor of learning materials, Shuter & Shooter were impressed with Mfundo’s message and his vision.

Mfundo’s story is an inspiration to young South Africans from all walks of life: Unimpressed and unsatisfied with the educational opportunities offered in his area, Mfundo blazed a trail that has taken him all the way to Harvard University. As impressive as that is, what is really astonishing is that Mfundo has never forgotten where he comes from and that, at such a young age, he is determined to help in a tangible and logical way.

The South African educational landscape has travelled a long road in the 23 years since apartheid was finally abolished; however there is still a long way to go. Over 60% of South African children are vulnerable (this includes children in impoverished rural areas and townships, children from single parent and child-headed households and, in particular, girls in impoverished areas). Unfortunately, the cycle of poverty is perpetuated by the quality of schooling in impoverished areas. While improving the quality of education and schooling is a complicated process, access to quality educational resources is an important and sound foundation from where to start.

To this end, Shuter & Shooter is delighted to announce that they will be partnering with the Dlulisa Initiative to provide up to 30 schools with quality learning materials. This donation will allow the Dlulisa Initiative to move in and install sound learning practices in schools that need it most. The donation and the Dlulisa Initiative’s work will ensure that thousands of young learners have access to textbooks and readers, which will help to create learning environments conducive to learning.

As Mfundo knows well, education is a powerful springboard. It is our hope that, by investing in these learners, that they will seize the opportunity, as Mfundo did. We are proud that the Dlulisa Initiative recognises that Shuter & Shooter, as a proudly South African company, is a worthwhile education partner. Together, we will work towards accessible education for all South African learners.

– Warren Kliphuis

National Marketing Director

July 2017