KICKS FOR A CAUSE: Sibangani Ncube the founder of Kicks for Charity, standing outside the clothing store debute in Braamfontien on Wednesday, where people can donate their old sneakers for kids that can’t afford them. Photo by: Raquel De Canha
Sneaker owners in and around Johannesburg are being called to donate a pair of their old takkies to make the day of some one less fortunate.
Sneakers have always been an important part of Sibanani Ncubes life. Now he has decided to spread a little joy this Mandela Day, by inviting people to come to the debuted store in Braamfontien to donate a pair of sneakers to those who would love them but just cant afford a pair themselves.
Kicks for Charity was formed in 2014, when Siba Ncube, challenged his friends to donate a pair of shoes, the hope was to collect 24 pairs but by Mandela day, they had surpassed this target and collected a total of 350 sneakers. These were then cleaned and donated to the Carl Sithole orphanage in Klipspruit.
This year they are hoping to top that with donations form people like Black Coffee and other well-known locals. “This year we want to donate to more orphanages in Joburg by the 18th of July ”
“My birthday is in Jan and every year I knew all I wanted was a pair sneakers. But because of the time of the year, nobody had money so often I wouldn’t get a gift.” Ncube said. This made him think of those less fortunate. “Normally these kids are given school shoes and uniforms around this time of year. For me these show no personal identity. But sneakers, you can tell a lot about a person by the kicks they wear.” so Ncube created Kicks for Charity.
“Most guys who collect sneakers have had hand-me-downs. As a kid my cousins would often pass their kicks down to me. “Once he was old enough all Ncube wanted to do was work so that he could add to his collection of sneakers.
It seems the sneaker culture in Johannesburg is big, so if you have a pair of kicks that you haven’t worn in a while, head down to debute in Braamfontien, and donate.
Raquel De Canha 