Thyssenkrupp is an ardent advocate for the upliftment and development of disadvantaged communities. On Mandela Day, 18 July 2019, the industrial engineering and technology specialist showcased its commitment to giving back to the underprivileged by participating in the dynamic FoodForward SA Mandela Day food drive packing event, in partnership with Pick n Pay.
According to FoodForward SA, a non-profit organisation established in 2009, one third of all food produced in South Africa goes to landfills, while 14 million people go hungry every day.
“After researching various Mandela Day programmes, we came across the FoodForward SA packing event and we immediately knew that this was how we wanted to spend our 67 minutes,” states Kgothatso Ntsie, Marketing & Communications Manager at thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions South Africa.
In the weeks leading up to Mandela Day, thyssenkrupp employees generously donated money and non-perishable foods in the spirit of the Mandela Day values of ‘Take action, Inspire change’. An enthusiastic thyssenkrupp team gathered at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, ready to donate their 67 minutes.
Sibongile Mtsweni: Senior Procurement Officer, Qhama Tom: Manager Project Management Office, Maria Sorota: Engineering Facilitator Trainee and Tiisetso Tsotetsi: Graduate – Strategy Markets & Development, led by Kgothatso, rolled up their sleeves to assist FoodForward SA in packing collected goods for distribution to the needy.
The FoodForward SA hall was pulsating with excitement as volunteers waited eagerly to start the packing process. Following a brief introductory video and explanations on the do’s and don’ts of packing the food items, participants got to work. Team work and respect for the cause were evident as people helped one another.
Taking it one step further, Kgothatso and her team delivered the food donated by thyssenkrupp employees to the FoodForward SA head office in Germiston, Johannesburg, on 24th July. Kgothatso expresses that it was heart-warming to see the employees band together to support such a good cause.
“The event was not only fun but it taught us to appreciate the hard work that goes into food collection and distribution. The joy of knowing that our humble contributions will help to make a positive impact, no matter how small, in underprivileged communities is truly rewarding.”
“In the true essence of Mandela Day, thyssenkrupp is proud to be a part of the solution in helping to reduce hunger in disadvantaged communities in our country,” notes Philipp Nellessen, thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions CEO, Sub-Saharan Africa. “This goal is something that we must not only live on Mandela Day but carry it forward each and every day.”
