Vodacom extends footprint with food security project
Vodacom has extended the footprint of its food security programme into every province in the country to reach more than 50,000 families in need. The project was launched a year ago as its Mandela Day initiative.
9,000 food parcels for distribution
Vodacom staff in the Western Cape answered the call by completing the massive task of packing 9,000 food parcels for distribution to schools attended by children from impoverished backgrounds, in the outlying areas of the province.
Staff were divided into groups of 60 and asked to pack the maximum number of food parcels in 67 minute sessions spread over two days, culminating on Mandela Day. It was an ambitious target as each parcel contains 1 kg oats, one large bottle of peanut butter, two cans of pilchards, two cans of baked beans, two packets of samp, two packets of sugar beans, a peanut and raisin snack and a R2 Vodacom power bundle.
"In honour of our greatest citizen, Nelson Mandela, we all got together on a cold, rainy day before his birthday to spend time making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate as part of the Vodacom Foundation food security project," said Steven Barnwell, Managing Executive: Vodacom Western Region.
It's about doing a little bit that will go a long way to make a difference
Vodacom staff packing 9,000 food parcels to be handed over to impoverished schools in the Western Cape as part of the Vodacom Mandela Day initiative
"It was rewarding to see Vodacom staff work side by side packing food parcels. The energy and teamwork was awesome to witness. On behalf of the recipients of the food parcels I would like to thank all our staff participating over the two days. After all, it's about all of us doing a little bit that will go a long way to make a difference in people's lives."
Maya Makanjee, Vodacom's Chief Officer: Corporate Affairs, said that Vodacom supported the meaningful participation of its employees in volunteering activities - the company gives employees two days paid leave to participate in volunteering initiatives and were encouraged to give 67 minutes of their time to honour Madiba's legacy.
Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said that the foundation focused on food security, literacy and shelter and Vodacom had ensured close alignment with these by focussing 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 Hatang.
The 9,000 food parcels will be distributed by Vodacom employees to five schools in Worcester and to Strand Muslim Primary school next week.
