Inno Morolong Launches Back-to-School Stationery Drive

Rising Back-to-School Costs Worry Parents

With schools set to reopen in just a week, many South African parents are voicing concerns over the rising cost of school stationery, with some lists exceeding what families can afford. Against this backdrop, reality TV star, entrepreneur and philanthropist Inno Morolong has stepped in with a timely intervention aimed at easing the burden on struggling households.

A Drive to Restore Dignity and Opportunity

Morolong has announced the launch of a Back-to-School Stationery Drive, an initiative focused on providing essential learning materials to underprivileged learners ahead of the new academic term. The campaign will collect and distribute items such as exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers, crayons, school bags and other basic supplies to learners in disadvantaged communities.

The initiative seeks not only to prepare children for school but also to restore dignity, confidence and hope for families facing financial hardship.

Education Amid Economic Pressure

South Africa continues to face significant economic challenges, with the unemployment rate estimated at 33.2% in the previous quarter of 2025, and youth unemployment remaining critically high at around 58.5%. Compounding the issue, estimates suggest that tens of thousands of children live in child-only households, while many more are orphaned or live in vulnerable conditions.

Although some public schools provide stationery, many learners still fall through the cracks, leaving parents to shoulder costs they simply cannot manage.

Morolong: “Education Is the Foundation of Opportunity”

Speaking on the initiative, Morolong emphasised the importance of education as a catalyst for change.

“Many learners start the school year without the basic tools they need to succeed, and this drive is about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope—one school kit at a time,”

she said.

Dates and Rollout of the Initiative

The stationery drive will officially run from Monday, 5 January, with handovers to nominated schools and homes scheduled for 13 and 14 January 2026. While the bulk of the funding will come directly from Morolong, members of the public, corporate partners and brands are encouraged to contribute what they can toward the purchase of school supplies.

Building on a Track Record of Giving Back

This initiative forms part of Morolong’s broader commitment to social responsibility, youth development and community upliftment. Last year, she donated matric dance dresses to girls in their final year of high school, helping to make their Grade 12 experience memorable.

This year, she says, the focus is on doing whatever is possible—no matter how small—to help build a better society.

“A little goes a long way, and whatever I can do to help build better future leaders is important,”

she said.

Inspired by Motherhood and Community Realities

Explaining what inspired the initiative, Morolong shared that her own experience as a mother played a key role. She noted the high cost of preparing a child for the future and the harsh reality many families face in a country with widespread unemployment.

“I just wish to play my part in making sure we raise healthy, happy, and responsible adults,”

she said.

Starting 2026 With Purpose

Morolong said she deliberately chose to start 2026 with a charitable initiative, building on community work she has previously done in her personal capacity. By amplifying the effort publicly, she hopes to reach more people and ensure that learners are not held back by a lack of basic resources.

Who Will Benefit

The initiative will begin in Gauteng, with community members encouraged to nominate neighbours, friends and learners they believe are deserving. Morolong has expressed hope that the drive can expand to other provinces in the future, depending on support and resources.

All proceeds will come from her personally, though donations and partnerships are welcomed.

A Vision for South Africa’s Youth

Looking ahead, Morolong said she is passionate about nurturing future leaders across all sectors of society.

“We need fewer crimes, more doctors, nurses and engineers to build our country. Starting the year with a giving heart and spirit means a lot to me,”

she said.