Latest news with #RiseAgainstHungerAfrica


The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Corporate South Africa unites to pack 650 000 meals on Mandela Day
In a remarkable display of compassion and corporate citizenship, over 3 500 volunteers from across South Africa's business sector came together at the Sandton Convention Centre on Mandela Day to pack 650 000 meals. This large-scale initiative, led by non-profit organisation Rise Against Hunger Africa, will directly support over 78 500 children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across the country. Read more: From volunteer to CEO, Kim expands smiles The annual Mandela Day event is the largest of its kind for Rise Against Hunger Africa, engaging employees from major financial institutions such as ABSA, Standard Bank, and Nedbank, as well as numerous insurance and other corporate entities. Rise Against Hunger Africa CEO Brian Nell said, 'Our goal today is to pack 650 000 meals, that's enough to provide five nutritious meals a week to 2 860 children for an entire year while they attend their ECDs. 'It's not just about feeding kids, it's about helping them learn, grow, and thrive during their most critical developmental years.' While Mandela Day sees a large collective effort, Rise Against Hunger Africa operates year-round, supplying monthly food deliveries to over 720 ECD centres nationwide. The meals are specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of young children and are delivered consistently by the non-profit's distribution team and partner organisations. 'We've built a system where meals are delivered regularly, and every meal has a one-year shelf life. Our impact isn't just measured in meals, but in better educational outcomes and healthier, happier children.' Throughout the year, Rise Against Hunger hosts smaller meal-packing events at various company premises, creating hands-on volunteering opportunities for employees and integrating Corporate Social Investment (CSI) into daily business culture. 'Corporate South Africa rocks – without them, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. These companies aren't just donating for tax breaks anymore. They're involved, they're present, and they're changing lives.' Among the key partners in this year's Mandela Day activation was ABSA Group. Their team contributed significantly across four regions: Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, and Free State, packing over 71 000 meals. Manager Colleague Volunteering and Social Impact Response at ABSA, Zintle Zhazia, said, 'This initiative aligns with our strategy of being a force for good in the communities we serve. 'Food security is a major issue in our country, and we believe that by bringing our colleagues along to participate and give back, we are actively contributing to long-term social impact.' Zhazia emphasised that Rise Against Hunger's collaborative model is key to lasting impact. 'By working with multiple corporations, Rise Against Hunger creates a shared value approach that strengthens communities and maximises support for young children in ECDs.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


Time Out
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Mandela Day events in Johannesburg
On July 18, each year, the world honours the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela - a man who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of others. In South Africa, he campaigned for the equality of all people, regardless of their race, gender, or social position. His courage, determination, love, and sacrifice, along with those of other struggle veterans, have led to peace in South Africa. On Mandela Day, individuals are urged to perform 67 minutes of community service in honour of the 67 years that the former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner fought for social justice. We have put together a list of Mandela Day events around Gauteng: The Nelson Mandela Foundation and Bassline Fest are hosting a concert at Gold Reef City honouring the legend. The event will bring together the community to reflect on the impact Mandela made. It will feature performances from the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, MÖRDA and other artists. There will be a special live tribute to uTata. It takes place on Friday, July 18, from 8 PM at the Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City. Mandela Day Walk & Run event in Sandton Make your steps count - walk and run for a good cause this Mandela Day. BP Southern Africa, Balwin Properties and Mahindra have teamed up to bring the annual Mandela Day Walk & Run event. The walk or run symbolises unity against poverty and inequity, and proceeds will go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. This year's event occurs at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Sandton on Saturday, 19 July. 21km - start time 07:30 10km - start time 07:30 5km - start time 07:45 Race fees 5km = R100 10km = R150 21km = R200 All finishers will receive a medal. Register here. Rise Against Hunger Africa Mandela event at Mall of Africa Rise Against Hunger Africa will honour Mandela's life by hosting events in different parts of the country. The organisation fights food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to the less fortunate. The public can help make a difference by joining the several Mandela Day events around the country. The Gauteng event is held at the Mall of Africa in Midrand. The organisation welcomes donations, volunteers who can join a meal-packing event or spread the word and inspire others to take action. 67 Blankets for Mandela Day at Bedford Keep someone warm this winter by participating in the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day event. Join other locals at Bedford who are making the blankets from 9-15 July. You can participate in the event by bringing a blanket or buying wool. The Edenvale Knitwits will also offer free lessons for those who want to knit or crochet blankets. The Apartheid Museum The Apartheid Museum has partnered with the TourVest Destinations for a Mandela Day Drive. They will be donating to Crown Mines Primary School, an under-resourced school in the south of Johannesburg. Members of the public can join in the drive by: • Donating essential items at the main entrance to the Apartheid Museum throughout July. • Joining the Apartheid Museum and TourVest Destinations on Mandela Day & volunteer their time and skills. • Making a cash donation.