'I feel deeply committed to the cause': Skeem GP has a mandate to give back

Themba “Skeem GP” Lukhele Nzimande says giving is part of his mandate after donating sanitary towels to pupils at Greenfield Secondary School and Fumana High School in Katlehong on Monday. 

The businessman, TV personality and philanthropist, together with the Skeem GP Foundation, handed out more than 250 “dignity packs”, which included sanitary pads.

Skeem GP also took time to share his journey with the pupils and motivate them to plan for a better future.

“We understand that young girls often have to miss school due to menstrual cycles, which is why we feel compelled to act. As a foundation, we are committed to speaking up for these young girls and ensuring they never have to miss a day of school because of a lack of access to sanitary products. We hope this gesture will make a positive impact on their lives and help them feel supported and cared for,” he told TshisaLIVE.

“Giving back to others and sharing one’s blessings opens room for more. Kindness and compassion enrich both the giver and receiver. Through this, we are making sure learners focus on what is important — education, restoring their dignity, and allowing them to be children.”

For the past eight years, Skeem GP has been actively involved in visiting schools and participating in programmes aimed at helping underperforming pupils.

“I feel deeply committed to the cause and my foundation, Skeem GP Foundation, has been able to reach out to over 300 schools. As a foundation, we hold dear the impact we make on the lives of the learners we touch, and it is heartwarming to see the positive results of our efforts.”

His goal is to provide a tangible representation of a dream realised and to empower pupils to become leaders of positive change in their communities. 

“It's heart-wrenching to see the increasing rate of unemployment, not only in our communities but across the country. As we gear up for the upcoming elections, the issue of unemployment remains at the forefront of our minds. As a foundation, we've been working tirelessly for the past decade to provide employment opportunities, especially for the youth, and we understand just how crucial it is to tackle this problem with compassion and empathy.”

As an author who writes about the realities of life in prison, and as a podcaster who shares these stories, Skeem GP said he hopes his work can serve as a beacon of light and hope for these young people.

“It is my sincere wish that they find ways to engage with our work and to see the positive impact it can have on their lives. I recognise that life can be tough and that it may seem impossible to achieve success, especially for those who come from difficult backgrounds. However, I want these young learners to know that there is always hope and that they can overcome their challenges with hard work, determination and the right support that we are providing in schools.

“I understand that the work I do may be challenging, but I believe it is essential. I hope there are people out there who see the value of our work and are willing to support us in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of young people throughout the country.”