Mandela Foundation calls on SA to support Each 1 Feed 1 campaign
NMF CEO Sello Hatang says the current pandemic will be overcome with genuine compassion and solidarity with those most severely impacted.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) is calling on South Africans to rally behind it’s campaign to bring relief from the plight of food insecurity during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
Chief Executive Sello Hatang said South Africa is a nation that is perhaps best described as one which was born out of solidarity.
“It is time, again, to ignite our culture of solidarity as we face the greatest test of our character and cohesion since the dawn of democracy. The COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown have both limited opportunities for people living in South Africa to pursue income generating opportunities and it has threatened food security.”
AGSA on board
The initiative is inspired by the Congress of South African Students’ mantra, ‘Each One Teach One.’
The Foundation is calling on South Africa to play their part in the COVID-19 #Each1Feed1 campaign, with the office of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) saying they’re pleased to to their bit in helping to alleviate food insecurity challenges.
Staff in the office of the AGSA has donated R 295 131. 26 to the #Each1Feed1 campaign.
”On the 21st of April 2020 the Deputy Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke had made a call to all the employees to show compassion for those that are in need. The donation is the fruit of this initiative. This is part of AGSA’s contribution to support those in dire need.”
AGSA senior manager Gilbert Vilane.
Solidarity
“We applaud the AGSA staff for this initiative,” said Hatang.
“Collaboration between the state, the private sector and civil society will be critical as we continue to confront the challenge of COVID-19.”
Hatang said beneficiaries prioritised by the Each1Feed 1 campaign include the Early Childhood Development workforce; asylum seekers who are significantly more vulnerable as they are excluded from the social grant system; farming and mining communities who rely on their jobs to support their families; the elderly; people living with disabilities; child-headed households; as well as children on farms who are dependent on feeding schemes.
“As a nation, we have shown the ability to overcome the unimaginable. The current pandemic will be overcome with genuine compassion and solidarity with those most severely impacted,” said Hatang.