Loftty Mmola

“My family struggled financially. But they taught me and my siblings the importance of getting an education,” he shares.

Loftty attended Thutuzekani Primary - a school of more than 1500 pupils – which was adopted by the Adopt-a-School Foundation.

“Thanks to the Adopt-a-School Foundation, we were fortunate because our school had classrooms and we had desks and chairs, and chalkboards and stationery. It made me aware that someone out there was actually concerned about us. I decided I wanted to work hard because of that, and because I wanted my parents to be proud of me.”

Loftty’s efforts were recognised and he was awarded the Cyril Ramaphosa Floating Trophy for academic achievement in grade 7.

On moving to Lodirile Secondary School – which is awaiting adoption - he continued to impress and received the Top Learner Award over a number of consecutive years.

Loftty acknowledges that the Adopt-a-School Foundation not only helped him receive decent schooling but also provided him with the opportunity to be recognised for greater things.

A solid matric result saw Loftty being awarded a Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary for further study at a university.

“My parents could not afford to send me to university – which was my dream. “

“When I heard that I had been awarded a bursary to study a BCom. Accounting degree at UKZN, I was suddenly really scared,” the young man chuckles.

Despite his great ambitions in life, Loftty had never travelled beyond the borders of his township.

“I had never been to Sandton, where the Shanduka offices are. And I had never dreamed of going on an aeroplane or staying in a guest house,” he grins again.

“The Adopt-a-School program changed my life. I may never have been recognised for a bursary if it wasn’t for what I got at my school,” he says. “I always had this sense that there were others who had faith in my abilities and this just motivated me further.”

Loftty would like to pursue a career as a forensic auditor.

During the World Cup vacation the student spent much of his time, like many other South Africans, consumed by football furore.

But not one to take a five week holiday lying down, Loftty put his entrepreneurial spirit to work when he took advantage of a supermarket offer that provided free vuvuzelas with cold drink purchases.

He collected the vuvuzelas, decorated them in traditional African print and did a roaring trade selling them to tourists and visitors.

“I just decided to make the most of my time. Too many kids are doing crime and drugs,” he explains.

Loftty admits that his life experience means he thinks about how he can one day give back as an Adppt-a-School Alumni.

“I would tell pupils that everything starts within yourself. You can decide what you’re going to do with your life. But you have to start by going to school, reading everything you can lay your hands on, getting good marks and making an impression in everything you do, including in sport and in your community.”

“I have been fortunate. My dreams are coming true... who would have thought?”

Loftty Mmola, living a dream, giving us hope, lighting the way.