• As the official mobility partner of the Black Coffee Foundation, Lepas supported the delivery of the Gift of Sight initiative at Zenzeleni Primary School in Alexandra.
  • The four-day programme provided learners with comprehensive eye screenings and vision assessments, while introducing oral health assessments and access to essential dental care for the first time.
  • Through its continued partnership with the Foundation, Lepas helped bring vital healthcare services directly to learners, supporting their wellbeing, confidence and ability to learn.

Lepas South Africa supported the latest phase of the Black Coffee Foundation’s Gift of Sight initiative at Zenzeleni Primary School in Alexandra between 27-30 July.

As the Foundation’s official mobility partner, Lepas provided transportation for the programme team and supported the delivery of the four-day initiative, helping to ensure that essential healthcare services reached learners directly.

The programme provided comprehensive eye screenings and vision assessments to identify eyesight challenges that could affect learners’ education, confidence and development.

This phase also marked the first expansion of the Gift of Sight initiative beyond eye care, introducing oral health assessments and access to essential dental care for learners who required further support.

“Our partnership with the Black Coffee Foundation is about more than providing transport. It is about helping meaningful programmes reach the communities they are intended to serve. Through the Gift of Sight initiative, we are proud to play a practical role in improving learners’ access to essential eye and dental care,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager at Lepas and Chery South Africa.

Lepas formed part of a network of organisations that supported the initiative, including Tania Noach Optometrists, the South African Optometric Association, Love Maison33 and JHB VIP.

Fourways Dental Studio facilitated the introduction of dental screenings and follow-up care where required, while Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital supported ongoing eye testing as part of the initiative. The programme also welcomed new partner Diamonds Do Good, which committed investment through the Black Coffee Foundation.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential without preventable health challenges standing in their way,” said Lungie Maphumulo, CEO of the Black Coffee Foundation.

“Through Gift of Sight, we have already seen the difference that early vision screening can make in a child’s education. By expanding the programme to include oral healthcare, we took another important step towards supporting the overall wellbeing of learners. We are grateful to Lepas for providing mobility support, as well as to our longstanding partners and the new organisations that joined us in helping to make an even greater impact.”

The early identification of vision and dental concerns helped ensure that learners could receive appropriate care before these challenges became barriers to their education and development.

Through its continued partnership with the Black Coffee Foundation, Lepas has supported the delivery of community-led programmes that improve access to essential services for children and families across South Africa.