Food parcels packed and ready to go for Mandela Day
Vodacom employees, dignitaries of the Department of Education, as well as members of the Fire and Rescue Department all helped with the packing of the food parcels on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the big day.
With Mandela Day upon them, Vodacom took nothing for granted when they prepared a massive food drive yesterday to set their 67 minutes for Mandela in motion.
“We are planning to make up 5000 food parcels that we will hand out at various schools in the surrounding area,” said Sli Ngcobo, organiser of the food security drive.
These schools include Hlomani Secondary School, MogalitwasPrimary School and Dlamadoda Secondary School among others.
Vodacom employees, dignitaries of the Department of Education, as well as members of the Fire and Rescue Department all helped with the packing of the food parcels on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the big day.
White boxes, symbolic of freedom, were laying all over the storeroom where the packing was taking place, as young and old took hands to do their bit for community – something that Madiba would have wanted.
The food parcels consisted of 1 kg oats, 1 large bottle of peanut butter, 2 cans of pilchards, 2 cans of baked beans, 2 packets of samp, 2 packets of sugar beans, a peanut and raisin snack and a R2 Vodacom power bundle.
According to Louisa van Beek, on Mandela Day, employees around the country are encouraged to give back 67 minutes of their time in honour of celebrating Madiba’s legacy.
“The Nelson Mandela Foundation focuses on food security, literacy and shelter and Vodacom has ensured close alignment with these by focusing its volunteering initiative on food security.”
“Vodacom continues to be a valued partner in driving the Mandela Day ethos and Tata’s legacy forward. Food security is a vital part of the development journey for learners and we would like to challenge others to take a leaf out of Vodacom’s book to ensure the future of our youth.” said Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Ngcobo also mentions that Vodacom are doubling their efforts to enhance the legacy of Madiba in the first year since his passing, as they have increased their initiative to reach those in need in every province in the country.
Food parcels will be distributed by Vodacom employees next week, upon the opening of schools nationwide as they aim to reach their target of 50000 parcels.
