In a move to nourish the minds and bodies of future generations, NESTLÉ® NIDO® 3+, NESPRAY® and Old Mutual are proud to announce the “Start Smart, Dream Big” initiative. This programme aims to support families in giving their children the best possible start in life. Kicking off with an extraordinary R3 million giveaway, this partnership is designed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

From pre-school to university, giving children the best start in life means acting now. By combining smart financial planning with age-specific nutrition, parents can help their children grow, learn, and thrive.

“At Nestlé NIDO® 3+ and NESPRAY®, we understand that a strong start at a child’s early ages lays the foundation for a brighter future. Together with Old Mutual, we are empowering parents with both nutritional and financial tools to help their children thrive—now and for years to come,” says Takudzwa Mupfurutsa Business Executive Officer for DAIRY at Nestlé East and Southern African Region (ESAR).

“This partnership reflects our belief that true success begins with thoughtful planning for your child’s physical and cognitive development and a holistic support for families,” concluded Mupfurutsa.

Mosala Phillips, Chief Marketing Officer at Old Mutual added on to say “Good nutrition and financial planning are both long-term investments in a child’s future. That’s why our partnership with Nestlé® NIDO® 3+ and NESPRAY® focuses on giving families the tools they need to start early, supporting their children’s well-being, education, and financial knowledge from day one.”

As part of this initiative, Nestlé® NIDO® 3+, NESPRAY® and Old Mutual are giving away R3 million in prizes to help South African families invest in their children’s future, by nurturing their today and investing in their tomorrow.

To enter the competition, parents can buy any participating Nestlé® NIDO® 3⁺ or NESPRAY® FortiGrow™ products, scan the QR code or WhatsApp “Hi” to 073 097 6335, follow the prompts and be entered into the running to win their share of R3 million in prizes, Ts&Cs apply.

The winners will be selected through monthly random draws and judged entries, where winners will be announced on Nespray South Africa, Nido South Africa and Old Mutual’s social media pages.

The Benefits of Starting Smart

Financial planning is essential to navigating the costs of education—one of the most significant investments a family will make. “The earlier you start saving, the better positioned you’ll be to manage the financial demands of your child’s journey,” Phillips explains. “When you begin early, your savings grow over time, giving you a head start in securing your child’s dreams, whether they want to be a teacher, an artist, or an astronaut.”

Similarly, a strong focus on nutrition in the early years lays the groundwork for cognitive and physical development, ensuring children are ready to take on the challenges of learning and growing.

Practical Tools for Early Action

To help families take those first steps, Nestlé® NIDO®, NESPRAY® and Old Mutual offer user-friendly tools:

1. The Pay Yourself First Calculator: The Pay Yourself First Calculator identifies areas in household budgets where small cuts, such as reducing monthly grocery bills, can make a big difference. By adjusting non-essential spending, families can make consistent progress toward their financial goals.
2. Nestlé NIDO 3+Nutritional Intake Calculator: Use this calculator to see if your child is eating enough servings from each of the food groups. Parents can print out the results and three sample menus at the end.
3. Nestlé NESPRAY iPlug Yeskolo Youtube Series: NESPRAY® iPlug Yes’kolo supports learning by empowering caregivers to nurture their children’s well-being with love, nutrition, and education, through innovative maths YouTube tutorial videos featuring qualified maths genius Sandile Mathebula. We strive to support parents in ensuring their children get the best possible start in life.
4. Old Mutual’s Cost of Education Calculator: Provides a detailed estimate of education expenses from pre-primary to tertiary levels, factoring in inflation and school tiers. This helps parents plan with confidence and avoid financial shocks.
5. The How Much To Save Calculator: Guides families on the specific amounts they need to save each month to achieve their educational goals. This ensures focused and achievable savings plans.

“The best time to start is now,” says Phillips. “Our partnership with Nestlé® is about empowering families with the right tools and knowledge to act early. Together, we’re helping parents set their children up for success—in school, in life, and beyond.”

By combining the power of early financial planning with the benefits of good nutrition, Old Mutual and Nestlé® NIDO® 3+ and NESPRAY® are committed to giving every family the opportunity to dream big and achieve more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Nestlé® NIDO® 3+ is not a breastmilk substitute but a drink specifically suited for children older than 3 years.

Enter the competition here: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/win-with-old-mutual-and-nestle/. Competition Terms & Conditions can be accessed here.