Corporates that Care: We hail Hollywood Foundation’s epic Back-to-School initiative
Dori van Loggerenberg
28 January 2026 | 10:32The initiative restores dignity, promotes equal access to education, and gives children a fair start from the very first day of the school year.
- 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa
- 702
- Corporates that Care
- Corporate Social Investment (CSI)
- Back to school
- Bongani Bingwa

Thousands of pupils across South Africa start the school year without essentials such as uniforms, shoes and stationery.
That's where the Hollywood Foundation’s Back-to-School initiative comes in.
Hollywood Group Spokesperson Mpumelelo Lembede explains how Hollywood Bets has invested millions in no-fee-paying schools to help learners arrive at school prepared, confident and ready to learn, while also easing financial pressure on families.
"The Hollywood Foundation is very entrenched in the South African community. We go into the community to uplift all of our people from different walks of life.
"One of our biggest pillars is ubuntu, and we want to provide people with confidence and dignity."
Lembede said that learner support is important to them, and it's about providing ongoing support throughout the year, from school shoes to backpacks, stationery and more.
"We're going to look at providing a larger number of learners to ensure that no learners are left behind."
The Hollywood Foundation also provides schools with much-needed equipment, repairs and food.
To listen to Lembede in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below:
Get the whole picture 💡
Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles.













