Vodacom Foundation’s good work.

The initiative forms part of the Vodacom Foundation, which all of Vodacom’s corporate social responsibilities function under. The foundation is rolling projects across South Africa, building on its inaugural food security drive. The R3.9-million food project this year saw a total of 40 000 food parcels packed by their employees and distributed to schools during the first week of school, following the June holidays.

Pupils and their families each received nutritious food parcels comprising peanut butter, Morvite, baked beans in tomato sauce, sugar beans, Koo mixed vegetables, Hugo mixed fruit jam, pilchard in tomato sauce and Ace maize meal.

Vodacom group chief executive office, Shameel Joosub, said volunteering is a crucial element of giving back for them.

Joosub said, “This year, we recognise Tata Mandela’s outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa by celebrating his example of dedication to the values that promote conflict resolution, improved race relations, human rights and gender equality.

“Madiba gave his life to bring about change to the lives of the people of South Africa. In order to honour this lifetime sacrifice, our gift to him is to give our time to help make the world a better place.”

Thousands of volunteers, including members of the Blue Bulls, the Department of Basic Education, Vodacom and the Nelson Mandela Foundation raced the clock to pack as many food parcels as possible within 67 minutes.

CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, said, “Food security is a vital part of the development journey for leaders and we would like to challenge others to take a leaf out of Vodacom’s book to ensure the future of our youth.”

Join the Joburg North Local News whatsapp group and get live news updates sent straight to your phone.
Just send a whatsapp message with your name and surname to 079 4395 345