MADOMBIDZHA – How many readers know Mirror’s power of touching the hearts of good Samaritans with deep pockets to assist those who are not fortunate in life?

In our edition, dated July 24, 2005, we published a story about the Tshikwarani Primary School drummies of Madombidzha who were going to wear their only indoor uniform (small drill) during the national competition of the South African Drum Majorettes Association at the Belville stadium in Cape Town.

Shortly after the newspaper hit the streets, a local kind-hearted businessman, Mr Rashid Cassim of Rooi Winkel Fabric Land in Eltivillas, contributed fabric for dresses to the disadvantaged rural school to make flags, trousers, tops and skirts.

Cassim said that he was touched to read that the little drummies, who are well-known for their excellence as drum majorettes locally, regionally and provincially, will be depending on one uniform in Cape Town. “I felt that I must contribute dress fabrics to the drummies in order to encourage them to come back with a trophy. As of now, I understand that they are motivated and eager to outdo their opponents in Cape Town. What is needed at present is more support for these drummies, which will be representing our Province. What Mirror did by publishing the story of the drummies clearly indicates its commitment of operating in the interests of the public and being devoted to assisting the poorest of the poor,” he said.

The delighted Mrs Johanna Mbedzi thanked Mr Cassim and his staff members for donating the dress fabric to her drummies. “We are more than prepared to represent our school and the entire province. This donation came at the right time, when we were still relying on one uniform,” she said.

The drummies will start to participate in the national competition tomorrow (Saturday) until July 15, 2005 in Belville stadium in Cape Town.