Shimuzic Foundation Leads Annual Back-to-School Drive in Tembisa
Music icon and philanthropist Ashley ‘Shimza’ Raphala has once again reaffirmed his commitment to community upliftment through the donation of 3,000 pairs of school shoes to children in need across Gauteng.
The official Hopeful Soles handover took place on 13 January 2026 at the Rabasotho Community Centre in Tembisa, under the banner of the Shimuzic Foundation.
Hopeful Soles Reaches 52 Schools and Children’s Homes Across Gauteng
This year’s initiative marked a significant growth in both reach and impact, benefiting 52 schools and children’s homes across the province.
The distribution included:
- 33 children’s homes in Tembisa
- 9 schools in Soweto
- 10 schools in Mamelodi
The programme focused on supporting orphans and vulnerable learners as they prepared to return to school for the 2026 academic year.
Music, Culture and Social Impact Power the Initiative
The Hopeful Soles school shoe drive is funded through the Shimuzic Foundation, with additional proceeds raised from Shimza’s annual One Man Show, held every Christmas Day.
The event has become a cultural highlight on the South African music calendar, uniquely blending entertainment, community upliftment and social responsibility.
“It’s About Restoring Dignity” – Shimza
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Shimza, CEO of the Shimuzic Foundation, highlighted the deeper purpose behind the campaign:
“Hopeful Soles is about more than just school shoes. It’s about restoring dignity and giving children the confidence to walk into their classrooms feeling equal and prepared. Every year we try to do more, because the need is growing, and so is our responsibility to respond.”
An Initiative Rooted in Tembisa and Growing Each Year
Now firmly established as an annual programme, Hopeful Soles has expanded year on year, reaching more communities and reinforcing Shimza’s long-term commitment to practical, grassroots support, particularly in and around his hometown of Tembisa.
Turning Music Success Into Lasting Community Change
By channelling proceeds from his music career into impactful initiatives, Shimza continues to use his platform to create lasting social change.
