Back to school has never been more exciting for two matric learners in the second annual Boardwalk Trolley Dash
Head boy Qhama Ndibaza (left), and head girl Thandolwethu Muki (right), from Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell during their respective Boardwalk Trolley Dashes today
Aligned with 2026’s Back to School season and the International Day of Education, Boardwalk Hotel and Casino sponsored its second annual Trolley Dash on 23 January 2026. The initiative took place at Pick n Pay in Boardwalk Mall, to support outstanding matriculants by giving them the opportunity to dash through the isles of the store and collect much needed essentials to assist them and provide some relief at the beginning of their academic year.
“We requested participation from various schools in the disadvantaged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay and selected the most compelling motivation” says Tati Tsunke, Boardwalk’s general manager.
Head boy Qhama Ndibaza, and head girl Thandolwethu Muki, from Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, were carefully chosen after being recognised as learners who not only excel academically, but who also pay it forward in their school community.
Ndibaza, led the school’s march and drill team to a winning result in Cape Town, and headed an award-winning air quality awareness project, while Muki has driven key school development initiatives including the Investec Social Challenge, and participates in road safety advocacy.
Both play a leading role in mathematics tutoring that supports long term academic results for years to come.
During the two-minute Trolley Dash, both learners filled their trolley with a mix of essentials to the value of R3,000 each, which included stationery, school lunch items, toiletries and learning resources for their matric year. They also opted for energy efficient air fryers, chosen for their low electricity usage and quick cooking times, making them a practical solution for their households.
Each could dash for stationery and essentials of R3000, donated by Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in its second annual Trolley Dash
“The Trolley Dash was incredible. I’ve always seen these events on TV and wished I could be part of it,” says Ndibaza. “Now I am here, and I’ve got stationery and essentials I really need for the year. Thank you to Boardwalk for making this possible.”
“I had the best time and learned so much,” says Muki. “I never imagined I’d get to do something like this. Beyond the items, the experience itself was amazing. Thank you, Boardwalk.”
“We thank Boardwalk Casino, and Pick n Pay, for this wonderful opportunity to reward our outstanding learners. We wish Ndibaza and Muki all the very best for their final year of schooling, and we know this will help them achieve their goals,” says Melvin Nopote, principal of Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School.
“Boardwalk is delighted to be able to assist with this initiative, which we hope to continue as an annual event that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of young leaders,” concludes Tsunke.
It all ended with a group photo outside Pick n Pay in Boardwalk Mall, Boardwalk staff (who were the learners very own cheerleaders), grandmother, Deputy Principal, Pick n Pay store manager, and Qhama’s aunt
