McDonald’s and Old Mutual are donating Midesk foldable tables to students. These tables are large and must be carried daily. While this may seem generous, it primarily serves corporate advertising interests rather than students’ educational needs.
Midesk Tables Are Inconvenient for Students
Children already carry heavy school bags. Adding large, foldable desks increases their burden. Instead of helping, this donation creates inconvenience. The focus should be on providing permanent classroom desks, not promotional furniture students must transport.
Corporate Logos Prioritised Over Practical Solutions
The donated Midesk tables feature prominent corporate branding. Instead of discreet support, McDonald’s and Old Mutual use students as walking billboards. Their logos receive daily exposure while students struggle with impractical furniture.
Schools Need Permanent Infrastructure, Not Marketing Gimmicks
South African schools lack proper infrastructure. Many need desks, chairs, and classrooms. A real solution would be permanent furniture, not temporary fixes that benefit corporations more than students.
Corporations Should Contribute Without Self-Promotion
If McDonald’s and Old Mutual genuinely cared, they would fund proper classroom furniture. Instead, they prioritise brand visibility over meaningful change. True corporate responsibility means supporting education without exploiting students for advertising.
McDonald’s and Old Mutual’s Midesk donations are a marketing strategy disguised as generosity. Students deserve real support, not branded burdens. Corporations should invest in permanent solutions that truly benefit education. What is worse is the idea that the Department of Basic Education through the Minister Gwarube willfully endorsed this by advertising this. Many agencies are involved in this initiative with Midesk which then puts into context why this made sense in any way or fashion.
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