EAST LONDON- Despite facing numerous challenges including limited resources and lack of sponsorship, Ntombekhaya ‘Sis Pinky‘ Tsako, founder of the 60 Walk a Child to School Foundation from East London originally from Tuku B village in Pedie remains resolute in her mission to provide support to vulnerable children in the Eastern Cape.
Tsako who started the foundation in 2020 to coincide with her 60th birthday is driven by a passion to restore dignity to children particularly those living with their grandparents. “Government alone cannot do it, I want to assist parents who are struggling to make ends meet,” she emphasized.
Tsako’s vision extends beyond the borders of Eastern Cape with ambitions to expand her outreach to other areas in need, however her efforts are hindered by the lack of reliable transportation forcing her to dip into her own pockets to ferry her workers to various locations
Despite her best efforts Tsako has been met with rejection by local car dealerships who have declined her appeals for assistance even when she offered to book a vehicle for an extended period, undeterred by the setbacks. Tsako continues to pour her heart and soul into the foundation relying solely on her own resources. “I don’t have a sponsor but I remain committed to making a difference in the lives of these children,” she said.
Kwandlumbe Primary School and Chief Mthuthuzeli Makinana have expressed their gratitude towards Tsako with a thoughtful gift – a goat. “I was humbled when Kwandlumbe Primary School and Chief Mthuthuzeli Makinana thanked me with a goat,” Tsako said.
Furthermore, Tsako’s commitment to her cause has led to a significant partnership with the Paul and Humile Mashatile Foundation in 2024, despite her successes Tsako acknowledges the challenges she face particularly in expanding her reach to areas like emaMpondweni.
“I would love to cover places like emaMpondweni but for now I’m unable to do that,” she said.
In addition to her work in education, Tsako also addresses the pressing issue of Gender-Based Violence(GBV) in her community, she has established a connection with Eastern Cape Department of Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta.
“GBV is also coming into our space and sometimes I do get in touch with MEC Bukiwe Fanta for some assistance,” Tsako explained.
Tsako’s passion for her work is evident in her statement, “I love what I’m doing because it motivates children to go to school, even without shoes which often discourages them from attending.”
Furthermore her selfless dedication serves as a beacon of hope for those she seeks to help and her story is a testament to the power of individual initiative and community spirit.
For more information on how to donate, please contact Phumeza Macwili on 083 364 4062 or via email at pmacwili@yahoo.com.
photograph: Ntombekhaya “Sis Pinky” Tsako’s 60 Walk a Child to School Foundation donates school shoes to learners
Photograph: supplied
